Farrell ruled out for eight weeks
Wed, 20 Aug 2008 21:57
Saracens suffered a cruel blow with the news that centre Andy Farrell will miss at least the first month of the Guinness Premiership season, two Heineken Cup and an EDF Energy Cup match - after suffering a fracture and dislocation of his thumb.
Farrell suffered the injury during last Friday's pre-season friendly against Western Force, and will be out for the next eight weeks.
The 33-year-old midfielder, who was recently named Saracens co-captain for the new season, came on as a second half replacement in the 19-10 win over the Australian Super 14 side and within minutes was forced to leave the field with the injury.
"It's totally frustrating, especially after flogging yourself for eight weeks in pre-season and then just when you start to look forward to the games, this happens," Farrell said.
"Things were going really well. I played out in Bayonne in a friendly the week before, felt in great shape and was looking forward to getting on the field against Western Force.
"I'd only been on a few minutes when I went in for a cover tackle and took the impact on my thumb - as soon as it happened I knew I was in a bit of trouble."
Farrell was looking forward to playing on the same pitch with his son Owen in the game against Western Force, but as it was, son ended up replacing father in the match.
"That certainly wasn't the plan but as frustrated as I am, you won't find me sitting in the corner and sulking," he added.
"I can still train and I shall use this time to get fitter and stronger and turn this time into an advantage. I'll be arranging my training around the first team to make sure I'm at all the sessions and doing whatever I can to continue to help pushing the team in the right direction, maintaining the progress we have shown in pre-season and getting us ready to face Harlequins on the opening day of the season."
