Anthony Watson to get ‘world-leading’ treatment in recovery from ACL injury
The Bath star faces a lengthy recovery period.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Stuart Hooper says Bath’s England wing Anthony Watson will be “seen by the best” on his recovery path after he was struck down by a serious knee injury.
The Bath star suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament during Sunday’s 71-17 Gallagher Premiership defeat against Saracens.
Watson was immediately ruled out of England’s forthcoming Autumn Nations Series games, and potentially he could also miss this season’s Six Nations during what is likely to be a lengthy recovery process.
The 27-year-old, who has won 51 England caps and featured in five Tests for the British and Irish Lions, has previously overcome two ruptured Achilles during his career.
Hooper said: “It’s very tough for him. He has already had his scan, he has already seen the specialist, and now there is a plan in place.
“It is a long-term knee injury. We have heard of it many times before. Unfortunately, we see more of them, and we have got people here and abroad who are experts at dealing with that and getting the guys back.
“If I know one thing about Anthony, he will be looking to break records as to how quickly he can get back from it. We’ve got some direction now, and he will be motivated to get back as quickly as possible.
“People are gutted for him. He is a quality player and he is a very well-respected and well-liked bloke and people will be disappointed for him. The lads will be determined to play well for him.”
Hooper added that Watson will be placed in the best possible hands on his road back to full fitness.
“The injury happened, and it is always termed as an ACL, but when they get in there and do the job, there are a few different ways they can do it and a few different severities of it,” Hooper said.
“What we have used in the past for the rehabilitation stage are people in Ireland, who are world-leading in dealing with these knee injuries and they give some incredibly-detailed guidance.
“We will make sure he gets seen by the best and we have the best plan to get him back.”
Watson had only recently returned to action following the Lions’ South Africa tour, where he started the first and second Tests against the Springboks
“In all honesty, the mechanism of the injury is not something brought about by fatigue in any way, shape or form,” Hooper added. “He was in great shape going into the game, as he was the week before.
“It really is a freak moment which unfortunately could happen, and has happened to lots of people before.”