Ross Thompson setback for Glasgow Warriors
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Glasgow Warriors’ hopes of EPCR Challenge Cup glory have suffered a blow with the news that fly-half Ross Thompson has been ruled out until the New Year with an ankle injury.
With the Warriors opening their Challenge Cup campaign at Bath on Saturday, they will also be without back Cole Forbes (neck), back-rower Jack Dempsey (groin) and lock Alex Samuel (back) for the tie.
There are doubts too concerning lock Scott Cummings (foot), props Oli Kebble (shoulder), Zander Fagerson (hamstring), Enrique Pieretto (chest) and Allan Dell (calf), flankers Thomas Gordon (calf) and Rory Darge (ankle).
However, Duncan Weir, another goalkicking Scottish international fly-half, has rejoined the Warriors squad after recovering from a calf injury and centre Sam Johnson continues his phased return to training.
Ready for another big European week 😀#WhateverItTakes ⚔️🛡️ pic.twitter.com/KSwgRjVy5E
— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) December 6, 2022
Despite the injuries, flanker Sintu Manjezi believes Glasgow are in good shape for their Challenge Cup opener following their 45-17 win at Zebre Parma in the United Rugby Championship last weekend, their first away victory of Franco Smith’s tenure.
“Europe is going to be a different challenge, but our focus is going to remain the same,” he said. “We want to keep this momentum and take that into next weekend.
“We know we still have a few things to fix and a few areas to sharpen up – our maul defence we know wasn’t up to standard – and we need to stay on top of our discipline.
“If we can be that little bit sharper, then we know we’ll be putting ourselves in the best position possible to challenge for the result.”