Shanklin ruled out of Argentina clash
Wales centre Tom Shanklin has a broken nose and will miss the game against Argentina
Monday, 16, Nov 2009 02:27
By inthenews.co.uk staff.
Wales centre Tom Shanklin has been ruled out of this Saturday's Test match against Argentina at the Millennium Stadium because of a broken nose.
The Cardiff Blues star was replaced early in the second half of the 17-13 victory over Samoa on Friday night after clashing heads with club-mate Gethin Jenkins at a ruck.
And although the Wales medical team have confirmed Shanklin needs only rest and recovery to reduce the swelling around the injury, he has been told he is not being considered for selection this weekend.
"Tom has a small fracture to the nasal bone which will limit his involvement in preparations this week and therefore rule him out of selection for the Argentina game," said Wales physio Mark Davies.
"There is a certain amount of swelling there which will take a few days to settle down, but the injury requires no further treatment and he should be back in contention next week."
Ospreys centre Andrew Bishop is to train with the Welsh camp this week as cover for Shanklin, although he is not thought to be among the leading contenders to take the vacant berth in the centres as he has not yet been made a full squad member.
Wales are looking to build on their narrow victory against Samoa, despite the nature of the win being considered something of a backward step after a battling performance and narrow defeat to New Zealand the previous week.