Barbeary facing at least six weeks on the sidelines

Wasps have suffered a setback after Alfie Barbeary is expected to be on the sidelines for at least six weeks due to an ankle injury and might need surgery, casting doubt on his availability for the start of England’s Six Nations campaign.

The 20-year-old sustained the blow during the recently concluded Premiership game against Sale Sharks where he was replaced in the 50th minute and now will consult a specialist to assess the extent of the damage.

“Alfie has a syndesmosis injury. Whenever you have that injury it’s not the greatest but it’s not an out-and-out disaster," said Wasps head coach Lee Blackett.

“It’s hard to know how long he’ll be out for as there are still question marks as to whether he needs surgery. It’s a guessing game until he sees the specialist.

“Like any player he’ll be frustrated. I’ve been really pleased with Alfie recently – he’s got better and better and had big impacts on the game.

“I’m disappointed for Alfie but we’ve got to make sure that he’s a better player when he comes back.

“We’ll work really hard behind the scenes, for however long he’s out for, to make sure he comes back better than when he left us.”

Barbeary made his breakthrough last season, scoring a try on his Premiership debut from the bench against Worcester Warriors in August and then scoring a hat-trick on his first start, against Leicester Tigers in September.

England head coach Eddie Jones will name his squad for the 2021 Six Nations next month, with the defending champions set to face Scotland in their opener at Twickenham on Feb. 6