Rusty Scarlets face uphill task at The Rec
LLANELLI, WALES - JANUARY 11: Johnny McNicholl of Scarlets in action during the European Rugby Challenge Cup Round 5 match between the Scarlets and RC Toulon at the Parc Y Scarlets on January 11, 2020 in Llanelli, Wales. (Photo by Athena Pictures/Getty Images)
THE Scarlets will head into the start of their Champions Cup campaign at Bath on Saturday after only a few days of preparation.
Glenn Delaney's side were forced to postpone their last PRO14 clash with Leinster due to a Covid-19 outbreak in their squad.
Since the Leinster postponement on November 26, the Scarlets have attempted to minimise the spread of coronavirus at Parc y Scarlets by staying in isolation and limiting contact.
It has meant training sessions have been cancelled and, ahead of their European opener, Delaney's men will only meet up on Thursday leaving them little time to get up to speed.
While the players have been able to stay fit while in isolation, the Scarlets will likely lack cohesion and match sharpness when they travel to The Rec.
Bath was the venue for one of the Scarlets' most famous recent away day European wins, in January 2018, and Delaney will have their strong Wales contingent back as they bid for a repeat success.
Wales centre Jonathan Davies is set to be involved after being declared fit and returning from a knee injury to play against Italy in the Autumn Nations Cup yesterday.
Liam Williams, Leigh Halfpenny, Johnny Williams, Gareth Davies, Kieran Hardy and James Davies will also return from international camp.
The fitness of wing Johnny McNicholl is a concern and it is uncertain whether lock Jake Ball will be available after the birth of his fourth child came while he was locked down with Wales.
