The British & Irish Lions back-row has undergone surgery on a fractured cheekbone he suffered in a clash of heads with Leinster’s Josh van der Flier in the Blues’ 16-13 defeat on Saturday. Following scans and further assessment, Warburton will have a small plate inserted in his cheekbone.
But the injury is only likely to keep the Wales skipper out for two to four weeks, meaning he should be primed and ready to lead Rob Howley’s side out at the Principality Stadium next month. Wales kickoff their Autumn Tests against Australia before taking on Argentina, Japan and South Africa.
However, Howley has more back-row injury worries. Ospreys blindside Dan Lydiate has not played yet this season after undergoing surgery on a shoulder in June, while number eight Taulupe Faletau has been out since injuring knee ligaments on his Premiership debut for Bath on 3 September.
“Sam Warburton is a great captain,” said Howley after appointing Warburton as his captain. “He captained the Lions, he will continue to captain Wales. I have spoken to Sam already, and he will captain us for the autumn series and into the Six Nations.
“I believe at this moment in time that Sam Warburton is the best captain to take us forward. He has, of course, done it (led the Lions) once, and I am sure he is in other people’s thoughts to captain again, but the challenge for all players will be the autumn series and the Six Nations.”
