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Titterell blow for Leeds

Image: Titterell: requires surgery

Leeds will have to do without hooker Andy Titterell for five months after the hooker was told he requires a knee operation.

Nilsen only first-team hooker available for cup clash with Sale

Leeds will have to do without hooker Andy Titterell for five months after the hooker was told he requires a knee operation. The 29-year-old damaged his anterior cruciate ligament in training last week and is now facing an extended spell on the sidelines. His loss is an untimely blow for Leeds, who are also without the experienced Steve Thompson as he is currently away on international duty with England. Phil Nilsen is now the only first-team hooker available for the LV= Cup clash with Sale on Sunday, while youngsters Harry Hannan and Scott Freer are both still coming back from long-term injuries.

Bitterly disappointed

"We are bitterly disappointed for Andy, however he will have the operation very soon and I am sure, given his nature and athletic strength, that he will be battling to be back as soon as possible," director of rugby Andy Key said. "Whilst we have suffered a number of injuries this season, this is only the second time that a serious injury has occurred in training, with Dan White breaking his leg earlier this year which makes it even more frustrating for Andy. "Unfortunately in the short term, with Steve Thompson away with England, that only leaves us with Phil Nilsen to cover at hooker. "We have two very talented young hookers in Harry Hannan and Scott Freer but both are coming back from long term injuries. "In the case of Scott, hopefully he will get some rugby under his belt in the next week and I am sure he will be pushing for inclusion in the first-team squad in due course. "We have to make sure that we do not rush into a decision in case there are other options out there."

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