Wales captain Dewi Lake is facing a race against time to be fit for the Six Nations after undergoing surgery on a biceps injury. The 25-year-old hooker sustained the injury during training with his club, Ospreys, just before Christmas. Following the surgery, it was revealed that Lake could be sidelined for up to 12 weeks, which would see him miss the entirety of the Six Nations campaign. However, there is still a possibility that he could recover in time for the final game against England on March 15, depending on how his rehabilitation progresses.
The news has left Wales head coach Warren Gatland with a significant selection dilemma. Lake’s injury adds to the challenges facing the Welsh squad, who are already dealing with a series of other player absences. Ryan Elias, another hooker in the squad, is out with a neck injury, although Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel has expressed hope that Elias will be fit to return by mid-January. Meanwhile, Elliot Dee has recently made his return to action for Dragons after recovering from an ankle problem, providing some relief in the hooker position.
Despite the setback, Mark Jones, the head coach of Ospreys, remains optimistic about Lake’s recovery. He emphasized that while the 12-week timeline is the worst-case scenario, there is a possibility that Lake could return sooner, given his determination and the quality of rehabilitation available to him. Jones noted that Lake has an excellent mindset and is committed to doing everything possible to minimize his recovery time. This positive outlook, combined with the surgery going well, leaves hope that Lake may be able to make a return before the Six Nations concludes.
The Six Nations begins for Wales on January 31 against France in Paris, a match that will be crucial as the team aims to recover from a tough run of results. Wales are currently on a 12-match losing streak, and Gatland will be hoping to turn things around, especially with key players like Lake potentially unavailable. The hooker position, in particular, could become a major concern, with multiple players injured or unavailable, leaving Gatland to consider his options carefully.
Lake’s absence would be a significant blow to Wales, not only because of his leadership as captain but also due to his growing reputation as one of the top hookers in the game. His performances in the Welsh jersey, combined with his leadership qualities, have made him a key figure in the national team’s plans. The possibility of missing out on the Six Nations would also affect his chances of being included in the British & Irish Lions squad for the next tour, adding another layer of personal motivation for him to recover as quickly as possible.
With the Six Nations fast approaching, Gatland and the Wales coaching staff will be monitoring the situation closely, hoping for the best possible recovery for Lake and looking at alternative options in the hooker position. The team’s ability to perform without their captain and other injured players will be crucial to their chances in the tournament, and it remains to be seen how the squad will adapt in the coming weeks.
