Smith sidelined by insect bite

Last updated: 26th March 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Smith sidelined by insect bite

Smith: minor knee surgery

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Leeds Rhinos and England back Lee Smith has been ruled out of action for three to four weeks after minor knee surgery.

The 22-year-old went under the knife to drain an abscess from the infected knee after suffering a reaction to an insect bite he sustained last Saturday.

Smith, who operates at centre, full-back or on the wing, will now sit out Friday's Super League clash with Catalans, next week's Challenge Cup clash with St Helens and also the Easter derby at Bradford.

"It has all happened very quickly," explained Rhinos chief Brian McClennan. "Lee noticed the bite on Saturday and reported it to the doctors when he came in to training on Monday.

"He has been taking antibiotics but the bite has got infected and swelled up over the past two days.

"He is still in hospital and probably will be for a couple of days."

The news will come as a blow to Leeds for whom Smith was man of the match in October's Grand Final triumph over St Helens and an ever-present so far this year.

The academy graduate has been linked with a move to rugby union with London Wasps next season, although Leeds have refused to comment on the rumours.