Jonah Holmes the latest injury blow to hit miserable Tigers

The hits just keep on coming for Gallagher Premiership strugglers Leicester. Fresh from their hammering last Saturday at Northampton, Tigers have now learned that Wales international Jonah Holmes will be unavailable until the new year. 

Scans revealed that the back suffered a partial tear to his medial collateral ligament in the defeat at Franklin’s Gardens and will be sidelined for six weeks, with an anticipated return in the early stages of 2020.

Speaking to www.leicestertigers.com, Tigers boss Geordan Murphy said: “We’re very disappointed for Jonah. He is a much-valued member of this squad and it’s a cruel blow for him given the form he is in.

“Since returning to the group part-way through the pre-season programme after spending the opening months of the summer with Wales, he has added a lot to this young group.

“His growth and improvement since joining Tigers has been huge and has seen him rise from a Championship player to an international.”

(Continue reading below…)

With Leicester having won just once in five Premiership outings, Holmes’ setback is the latest challenge for a squad already without injured backs Telusa Veainu, Jordan Olowofela and Sam Aspland-Robinson.

“It adds some pressure to us at a tough time, specifically in the outside back area,” added Murphy. “It’s a testing time for us and this is another test. I’m confident any youngster we call on to step up will do so and do so well.”

WATCH: All Black Ardie Savea will miss the majority of the Super Rugby season with Hurricanes due to injury