The Wales flanker missed the comfortable 59-8 win over the Barbarians in Hong Kong and has been left out of the squad to face Western Force on Wednesday as he recovers from a knee problem. The injury was tested in a one-on-one session with physio Prav Mathema at Langley Park in Perth on the squad’s first full day of training in Australia.
Warburton, who was named as the squad’s skipper at the end of April, was replaced by Justin Tipuric in Hong Kong while Ireland’s Sean O’Brien starts in the No. 7 shirt in Perth on Wednesday.
But despite his captain’s absence, Gatland is not overly concerned and hopes he will be back as soon as possible.
“Sam has been doing some of his own training but he had to stay off his knee for five days before he is ready for full contact,” said Gatland.
“Hopefully he will train with the other players not in this 23 over the next couple of days and put himself in contention for Saturday.”
With Warburton unavailable, Ireland’s Brian O’Driscoll captains the Lions on Wednesday as a much changed side looks to emulate an efficient performance against the Barbarians.
Gatland’s men will be looking to make it two wins from two against Michael Foley’s side and Warburton’s regional teammate Leigh Halfpenny is one of a number of changes. The Wales full back comes in for Stuart Hogg while Alun Wyn Jones, Ian Evans and George North also start.
Prop Gethin Jenkins, who will return to the Blues next season, is hoping to take part on Saturday if he shows no reaction to a calf problem over the next 48 hours.
“We are just trying to make sure everyone is getting the same opportunity and we want the whole team training together that is taking the field,” said Gatland after naming his side to face the Force.
“It’s only fair to the other players around him that they get that chance and so Sam, after Wednesday, will come and train with us over the next couple of days with the non-23 and then put himself into contention for selection for Saturday.”
