Double injury blow for Wakefield Trinity - but star men set to return against Wigan Warriors

Winger Liam Kay and prop Eddie Battye were both injured in last week’s Betfred Super League defeat at Huddersfield Giants, but Trinity coach Chris Chester hopes to have some key players back for the clash with Wigan Warriors at Warrington on Friday.

“Liam has an issue with his shoulder,” Chester confirmed.

“It doesn’t look great, but he is in safe hands.

“Eddie Battye has done an mcl [medial collateral ligament].

“It was very early on in the second half, it is a slight tear and we’re probably looking at two to three weeks.

“We’ve put him in a brace, just to be on the safe side.”

Chester will name an initial 21-man squad for Friday’s game today and expects to have some key players returning.

“We should have Tom Johnstone back this week,” Chester said of his star winger who has been on the casualty list since damaging an elbow against Wigan more than a month ago.

“It will be his first full week with us and I am looking forward to seeing Tom out there.

“We’ll also have T [Tinirau] Arona, Dave Fifita, Chris Green, Jacob Miller and Adam Tangata up for selection.

“We are slowly, but surely, getting some guys back within the team.”

Matty Ashurst’s wife gave birth earlier this week and he is now also in contention.

“He is available for training on Thursday with a view to potentially playing on Friday,” Chester said.

“He’s another one who has been stood down for Covid reasons. He has not been able to come in because he’s on the track and trace and had his wife had the baby he wouldn’t have been able to see the birth.

“We’re looking forward to seeing him back in the group.”

Chester said more numbers in practice has lifted the intensity.

“It just gives you some more options with regards training,” he said. “Monday’s session was probably the best we’ve had in a long time in terms of intensity and being able to do some 13-on-13 stuff.”

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