Sam Burgess to return for England 'earlier than anticipated'
Saturday 28 October 2017 11:18, UK
England’s World Cup hopes have been boosted by the news Sam Burgess is on track to return “earlier than anticipated” from a knee injury.
The South Sydney Rabbitohs forward injured his medial knee ligament during the first half of England's 18-4 defeat to hosts Australia in their opening match.
It was initially feared Burgess could miss up to four weeks, returning just before the semi-finals on the weekend of November 24-25, but England's medical staff are now confident he will fit for the quarter-finals, which start on November 18.
A team statement said: "After sustaining a medial knee ligament injury during the opening game of the Rugby League World Cup against Australia on Friday, October 27, England forward Sam Burgess, today (Saturday, October 28) saw a knee specialist.
"Following a further review of the injury, England medical staff and specialists can confirm Burgess will be back in the playing squad earlier than anticipated."
England have two more group games, against Lebanon and France, before entering the knockout stages, when head coach Wayne Bennett expects to have Burgess available.
"It was a blow to lose Sam so early in the game against Australia, but the team coped and competed against the number one side in the competition," Bennett said.
"He'll be a loss, but we expect to see him back soon in the next few weeks and pushing for a place in the squad as we aim to make the quarter and semi-finals.
"Sam's a tough player and he will be doing everything required of him to get fit again. We've got a good team here and everyone is behind each other, on and off the field."
