SEAN Maitland’s place on Scotland’s summer tour is in doubt after the Saracens player suffered ankle ligament damage. The injury has ruled the 28-year-old out of his club’s Champions Cup final against Clermont Auvergne at Murrayfield on Saturday, and his head coach Mark McCall said the time needed for recuperation would probably be known later this week.
“Sean is unfortunately out for the rest of the season,” McCall said. “He’s got an ankle ligament injury. It may or may not need surgery, but we won’t find out for a few days.
“It’s cruel luck for a player who has been in such great form. I just feel sorry for Sean as he’s had a great season and been a first-choice pick for us.”
With Stuart Hogg away with the Lions, if Maitland is ruled out of the tour, that would leave Scotland short of cover at full-back. Ruaridh Jackson is the only other player who could be deemed a full-back in the squad announced by Gregor Townsend on Monday, although Duncan Taylor could also cover the position. While the new head coach said a 34-strong squad was large enough to allow for a couple of players to drop out before replacements need to be sought, Maitland’s misfortune could mean Blair Kinghorn stepping up from the Scotland Under-20s squad.
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