Bath's worst fears over Santi Carreras confirmed in latest medical update

Bath’s Head of Medical Services, Rory Murray, has provided an update on player availability following the club’s 23-5 derby defeat at Kingsholm on Friday night.

It has been confirmed that Pumas international Santi Carreras has sustained a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and will miss the remainder of the season.

Carreras fell awkwardly in the 12th minute of the match against his former club and, after receiving lengthy on-field treatment, he was helped off the field of play to a round of applause, Gloucester fans putting any ill feeling they had his move to their rivals to one side in a show of support for the stricken full-back.

On a miserable night for the blue, black and white, flanker Guy Pepper also limped off with an ankle injury, which will rule him out of any involvement in England’s Nations Championship programme.

South African No.8 Dan du Preez arrived at The Rec from Sale with a history of recent injury problems and it seems they have followed him south.

But while Du Preez remains unavailable for selection because of a hamstring injury, Bath’s celebrated back-three trio, Will Muir, Henry Arundell and Tom de Glanville have all resumed team training, which, in part, helps to offset the loss of Carreras.

When available, Arundell and Muir will provide a much-needed injection of pace into a faltering and one-paced Bath backline.

Meanwhile, Thompson Cowan and Billy Sela will return in the coming weeks, with Sam Underhill (bicep) expected to follow in early December.

Scotland prop Jamie Bhatti continues to work towards a return in the New Year after suffering a broken arm last month. Bhatti sustained the injury whilst playing in Bath’s final pre-season friendly against Glasgow.