Host of internationals set to miss Harlequins' opener vs Bath

Harlequins face a double injury blow ahead of their season opener against Bath at the Twickenham Stoop on Friday night, with Marcus Smith and George Furbank set to miss the game.

Quins boss Jason Gilmore says he will wait before making a final decision on England fly-half Smith, who has been battling a hand injury, while new boy Furbank is going through return-to-play protocols after suffering a head injury against Edinburgh.

Gilmore has also said that James Lang, who returned to the club this summer, won’t be available to face Bath after a head injury, while England loosehead Finn Baxter is still a couple of weeks from fitness following his latest foot operation.

Referring to Furbank’s latest setback, Gilmore said: “The poor bugger got that head knock in his first carry of the game. So he won’t play this week and is just going through his HIA protocols and is on track to be back for Gloucester.

“It’s probably more disappointing than anything. Probably the way I look at it, maybe we haven’t had him in any of the games so far, so we’re probably not missing much at the moment, if I’m honest. He’ll play a strong role.

“Marcus picked up a knock to his hand in the trial. So he’s been bouncing in and around training.

“We’ll get more of a call later in the week, in terms of whether he plays this week or not,” said Gilmore.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

1

Draws

0

Wins

4

Average Points scored

28

41

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

60%

Gilmore added that he has full faith in Connor Slavin and Josh Bellamy to step up and said that they are more than ready to play bigger roles for the club this season.

“I’ve been so impressed with Connor from the time I’ve stepped into the building. What I’ve noticed with him is he’s almost that old-school style of 10. He doesn’t get flustered and has a great skill set.

“He’s got a great set of hands on him with his catch-pass. He’s probably just needed a little bit of confidence and belief in him that he’s a guy that we want here at the club.

“Slev’s the guy that I’m looking at the moment. He could fall under the radar a little bit and surprise a few people. He’s had a great pre-season and played really well against Northampton. So I think he’d be ready to go,” he added.