Haskell to miss six months with foot injury

Wasps and England international James Haskell is set to spend six months on the sidelines after requiring reconstructive surgery on his big toe.
The flanker suffered a blow to his toe in the second Test against Australia that saw him forced off with nine minutes remaining, as England wrapped up a first ever series win Down Under.
The news comes as a bitter blow to Wasps who are preparing for their first friendly of the pre-season schedule against Yorkshire Carnegie next week.
A club statement did, however, mention that Haskell could possibly return within four months but that has done nothing to ease Dai Young‘s disappointment over losing the 31-year-old.
“We’re all really disappointed for James and we are all wishing him a speedy recovery,” said the club’s director of rugby.
“James’ performances with England, both in the 3-0 series win over Australia and in England’s Six Nations Grand Slam success, have been hugely impressive.
“Everyone at Wasps knows how hard James works to make those performances happen, and we know he’ll be working just as hard to come back in the best shape possible.
“Our medical team will be working closely with James over the next few months to get him back to full fitness,” Young conceded.
Judging by the timeline given – at the earliest – Haskell’s recovery could see him return to Premiership action when Wasps visit Kingsholm to take on Gloucester on 19 November.
ADAM ELLIS