Chiefs suffer Slade injury blow

By Mark Stevens
23/12/19

Exeter Chiefs Director of Rugby, Rob Baxter, has confirmed that Henry Slade will miss Sunday’s crunch Gallagher Premiership clash with Saracens at Sandy Park.

The England international was forced off during the first half of Saturday’s win at Leicester Tigers, having picked up injuries to both of his ankles.

Initially, the 26-year-old tried to carry on playing, but he was forced to come off on 34 minutes and was replaced in the Chiefs midfield by Sam Hill.

Having departed Welford Road on crutches following Exeter’s 33-21 victory, Slade has seen undergone scans and been seen by the club’s medical staff to assess the severity of his injuries.

Addressing the media this afternoon, Baxter said: “Sladey’s going to be out for a little while. He’s picked up injuries to both of his ankles. He tried hobbling along with one, until he picked up the second.

“The second injury is more of a concern as it’s an injury in around an old injury, which he had had previously plated. Right now, he’s continually being assessed and we will know more in due course. It is, however, nothing something he will be able to get over in a week or two, it’s more significant than that.”

The loss of Slade is an untimely blow for the Chiefs, whose victory at the weekend saw them move to the top of the Gallagher Premiership after six rounds.