Details of Wales star's 'unbelievable' face injury emerge as coaches hopeful for Italy clash
Wales have revealed the gruesome details of a facial injury sustained by Aaron Wainwright.
The 27-year-old was forced off in the opening stages of Wales' 43-0 hammering by France on Friday night with a nasty-looking facial injury. Initially it was feared Wainwright may have broken his cheekbone but thankfully he sustained no fracture or concussion.
Wales forwards coach Jonathan Humphreys has, however, revealed Wainwright's gash was extremely deep. "He had an unbelievable gash in terms of you could see his teeth through that!" said Humphreys.
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"That's the thing for us. He's a tough, tough kid and he's like 'I'll be alright, they can just stitch me back up' but it's a pretty bad gash to have.
"They said they could actually see his teeth through it. I didn't see it thank God!" The WRU have since clarified Wainwright's teeth were not actually visible through the gash on his face.
Wales will be desperate to get Wainwright passed fit for this Saturday's must-win clash with Italy in Rome.
Despite calling up Scarlets backrower Taine Plumtree Humphreys is confident both Wainwright and Taulupe Faletau will be fit to play. "He's (Wainwright) got eight days to turn around so we are very hopeful especially since he's desperate to play.
"Training this afternoon will be a key indicator of whether they are available to us."
Warren Gatland will officially name his team on Thursday.
