British and Irish Lions: Alun Wyn Jones could make remarkable return to squad after rapid recovery

The captain dislocated his shoulder six minutes into his side’s opening warm-up fixture against Japan

Duncan Bech
Monday 12 July 2021 19:23 BST
Lions captain Alun Wyn Jones leaves the field with an arm injury
Lions captain Alun Wyn Jones leaves the field with an arm injury (Getty Images)

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Alun Wyn Jones could make a sensational return to the British and Irish Lions squad after seeing dramatic progress in his recovery from the dislocated shoulder that appeared to have ended his tour.

Jones sustained the injury six minutes into the opening match against Japan on 26 June but is now training with Wales and Warren Gatland will make a decision on Tuesday whether to summon him to South Africa.

“A few weeks ago we didn’t think there was an option and he’s been back fully training with Wales. He’s trained this week with them,” Gatland said.

“I think he’s doing a double session tomorrow [Tuesday] with them and we’ll have to see what the outcome of that is.

“He’s made a remarkable recovery from that injury which isn’t as bad they first thought.

“That’s a real positive and it would be a boost to the squad having someone of his experience and calibre to come in.”

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