Bristol Bears set for injury boost ahead of Sale Sharks
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Bristol Bears are set to welcome back talismanic duo Charles Piutau and Steven Luatua from injury this weekend for the Round 11 trip to Sale Sharks in the Premiership.
Fijian superstar centre Semi Radradra could also feature on a teamsheet for the first time since playing the same club in April in the Heineken Champions Cup having since undergone knee surgery.
Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam said Radradra will definitely be back to face Leicester Tigers a week later if he does not feature at Sale.
Speaking in his midweek press conference ahead of the trip to the AJ Bell Stadium on Saturday, Lam said: “Charles is back now after his injury to his nose [which was broken and cut open, requiring staples].
“Stevie Luatua is finally back [from a calf injury suffered in pre-season], he has been sitting on 99 games for the club, it was meant to be 100 in round one against Bath - now he gets his chance to get out there for his first game of the season which is exciting. He is good to go.
Lam added: “Semi is not far, he will certainly be available next week against Leicester.”
“It is hard when you lose crucial players all at the same time, a lot of our experienced players have been out, but it has been good because it has forced us to make sure we are getting the most out of, and developing, the guys coming through.
“But just their presence in the team, their game smarts, their experience and their knowledge, as well as their ability, is so valuable. They have been using it to support players, Semi has done some great work with Joe Jenkins and Deago Bailey, Charles as well, but it is great to get them back playing. They are dead keen to get back.”
