The players on Warrington Wolves' treatment table and their expected return dates

AS Warrington Wolves prepare to return to Super League action, there are a few injury issues surrounding Sam Burgess’ squad.

The Wire boss will hope his England quartet of George Williams, Ben Currie, James Harrison and Matty Nicholson return unscathed from the mid-season Test against France as the squad regathers to prepare for Friday’s Round 16 clash with Huddersfield Giants.

As things stand, there are seven confirmed injuries within the Wire camp and here, we take a look at each one and their expected return date…

Matty Ashton (back)

The winger was withdrawn during the second half of the win at Hull FC with what Burgess described as a soft tissue problem in his lower back.

Burgess insisted it was a precautionary measure, although it was enough of an injury to keep him out of England contention.

However, it is currently expected Ashton will be fit to take his place on the left wing on Friday night.

Matty Ashton picked up a back injury during the win at Hull FC (Image: SWPix.com)

Lachlan Fitzgibbon (back)

Another player for whom the two-week break came at a good time was second-rower Fitzgibbon.

In the aftermath of the Challenge Cup Final defeat to Wigan Warriors – a game in which Fitzgibbon came off at half-time – Burgess revealed the former Newcastle Knight had been carrying a back issue and “needed a rest.”

He has missed the two games since then although he was rated as “an outside chance” of being fit to face Hull FC, meaning he too is likely to be in contention on Friday.

Lachlan Fitzgibbon came off at half time at Wembley and hasn't played since (Image: SWPix.com)

Jordy Crowther (ankle)

Wembley was also the last time we saw Crowther in action, with the forward hobbling off during the second half of the cup final.

His injury was labelled as “nothing serious” by Burgess, raising hopes that he is another player who could come back into the fold to face the Giants.

Jordy Crowther suffered an ankle injury during the Challenge Cup Final (Image: SWPix.com)

Joe Philbin (adductor muscle)

One player we are unlikely to see for a while is hometown prop Philbin, who is recovering having had surgery on the adductor muscle injury he picked up in the win at Catalans Dragons at the end of May.

The 10-week recovery timeline from that point would mean his earliest possible return date is the Round 21 trip to London Broncos on August 11.

Joe Philbin isn't expected to return until early-August (Image: SWPix.com)

Wesley Bruines (hamstring)

The back-rower/centre has been out of the fold since tearing his hamstring during pre-season having joined The Wire from St Helens.

It is hoped Bruines, who turned 21 last week, will be ready to play in the coming weeks.

A torn hamstring has prevented Wesley Bruines from making his Wire debut (Image: SWPix.com)

Leon Hayes (ankle)

Having established himself within the first-team, homegrown scrum-half Hayes suffered a fracture dislocation of his left ankle during the Round Nine loss at Salford Red Devils in April.

Following surgery, a recovery time of approximately six months was confirmed and while the club have stopped short of officially ruling him out for the season, he is unlikely to play again in 2024.

Leon Hayes is not expected to play again this year (Image: SWPix.com)

Luke Thomas (ACL)

The Welsh international prop had been tipped for a sustained first-team breakthrough in 2024 having penned a long-term deal during the off-season.

However, he suffered the most crippling of injuries against Leigh Leopards in pre-season, rendering his campaign over before it had begun.

He is working towards being fit to take a full part in pre-season for 2025.

Luke Thomas is helped off during the pre-season defeat to Leigh (Image: Mike Boden)