Wales have received a devastating blow ahead of their upcoming Six Nations match against Italy as full-back Liam Williams is facing a late injury concern. The experienced player has been struggling with a knee injury since the team’s 43-0 defeat to France. According to Warren Gatland, if Owen Watkin had not been forced off the field in the first half during the France game, Williams would have been substituted.
Reports from WalesOnline indicate that Williams’ knee has swelled up again, making it highly unlikely for him to feature in the match against Italy unless there is a remarkable last-minute recovery. In the event that Williams is unable to play, Gatland is expected to bring in Scarlets’ Blair Murray to fill the full-back position alongside Josh Adams and Tom Rogers, who are likely to maintain their spots in the starting lineup.
Murray, who started in all three of Wales’ autumn internationals, previously wore the number 15 jersey in the loss to South Africa. During training in Rome, Murray was seen practicing at full-back, with Josh Hathaway potentially being added to the replacement bench as cover. Other alternatives being considered include handing a debut to Ellis Mee from Scarlets or opting for Gloucester’s Hathaway in the starting XV, although the Welsh coaching staff has shown a preference for continuity.
The absence of Williams would be a significant blow to Wales’ chances of securing a victory against Italy in a match that has been labelled as crucial for Gatland’s squad after a winless 2024 campaign. A loss to Italy would add further pressure on Gatland, who received a temporary reprieve following a challenging year.
The Wales team are now anxiously waiting to see if Williams can recover in time for the match, with the hope that his knee issue resolves swiftly. The outcome of Williams’ fitness will have a profound impact on the lineup and tactics that Gatland will employ against Italy. Fans and pundits alike will be closely monitoring the situation as the team prepares for this pivotal Six Nations encounter.
As the clock ticks down to the Italy game, the uncertainty surrounding Williams’ availability adds an extra layer of drama and concern for Welsh supporters. The team will be hoping for positive news regarding Williams’ injury as they aim to bounce back from their disappointing performance against France and secure a much-needed victory in the Six Nations tournament.
The Welsh squad will need to regroup quickly and adapt to any changes necessitated by Williams’ potential absence. Gatland and his coaching staff will be working tirelessly to ensure that the team is prepared for all eventualities as they face a crucial test of character and resilience in their campaign against Italy. Stay tuned for updates on Williams’ condition and the final team selection as the match day approaches.