Jamison-Gibson Park (left) and Hugo Keenan (right) both missed Leinster's victory in the United Rugby Championship final with injury Ireland pair Jamison Gibson-Park and Hugo Keenan are injury concerns for the British and Irish Lions before their first game in Australia against the Western Force on Saturday. The tourists arrived in Perth after a 20-hour journey from Dublin via Doha, Qatar, with head coach Andy Farrell revealing lingering issues with scrum-half Gibson-Park (glute) and full-back Keenan (calf), who both missed Leinster's victory in the United Rugby Championship (URC) final. Scotland centre Huw Jones has recovered from an Achilles issue though and is available for the opening game of the tour at Optus Stadium. "We'll see how they pull up in midweek," Farrell said of Gibson-Park and Keenan. "Huw Jones is good, he's been training. He trained fully with us last week so he's up and running." The Lions are likely to field a side including players from Leinster, Bath and Leicester, despite players from those clubs joining up with the squad late after their respective URC and Premiership finals. Scotland wing Duhan van der Merwe was pictured with ice on his foot during the Lions' disappointing28-24 defeat by Argentina at Aviva Stadiumon Friday, but Farrell confirmed there were no fresh injury concerns. "We're here to build for what's going to be a fantastic Test series. We want to play some good rugby along the way," he added. "We'll find out more about each other as we keep on going. Of course we'll analyse what went on against Argentina and why, but that's all part of the journey - to understand where we need to go next. "It's great to be here, this is what it's all about. We're here for a good time. Hopefully we can start this part of the tour off really well on Saturday." Head coach Andy Farrell was greeted by Lions fans in Perth Henry Pollock, the youngest Lions player, is in charge of mascot Bil Lions captain Maro Itoje led his players through the airport Lions fans eagerly greeted their heroes Lions kicking coach Johnny Sexton posed for a picture with a couple of young Lions fans
Gibson-Park and Keenan injury concerns for Lions
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"Gibson-Park and Keenan Doubtful for Lions' Opening Match in Australia"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Jamison Gibson-Park and Hugo Keenan are facing injury concerns ahead of the British and Irish Lions' first game in Australia against the Western Force on Saturday. Both players missed Leinster's recent victory in the United Rugby Championship final due to their respective injuries, with Gibson-Park dealing with a glute issue and Keenan suffering from a calf problem. Head coach Andy Farrell provided updates on their conditions after the Lions' arrival in Perth following a lengthy 20-hour journey from Dublin via Doha, Qatar. Farrell indicated that the team would assess Gibson-Park and Keenan's fitness midweek to determine their availability for the upcoming match. In a positive development, Scotland centre Huw Jones has recovered from an Achilles injury and has been actively training with the squad, signaling his readiness for the tour's opening game.
The Lions are expected to feature a lineup that includes players from clubs such as Leinster, Bath, and Leicester, despite some players joining the squad later due to commitments in the URC and Premiership finals. Farrell also addressed the team's recent performance, highlighting the disappointment of their 28-24 loss to Argentina at Aviva Stadium but reassuring fans that there were no new injury concerns. The coaching staff is focused on building a cohesive unit as they prepare for the Test series, emphasizing the importance of analyzing their previous game to improve moving forward. Farrell expressed enthusiasm for the tour, stating that they are looking to play quality rugby and enjoy their time in Australia. The atmosphere in Perth has been welcoming, with fans eagerly greeting the Lions players as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
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