News

Carter facing six week lay-off

Saturday 29th March 2008

Moment of hurt: It was this tackle that injured Dan Carter's ankle

Crusaders fly-half Daniel Carter could be out of action for up to six weeks, and possibly longer, as a result of the ankle injury he sustained during Friday's Super 14 match against the Hurricanes in Wellington.

While the 26-year-old was cleared of any structural damage by an x-ray following the Crusaders' 20-13 win, an MRI scan, that was conducted in Wellington on Saturday, revealed that Carter had suffered an injury commonly known as a high ankle sprain.

"He will be unable to bear weight on the ankle during the initial stages of his recovery," said Crusaders doctor Tony Page.

"Dan's injury is of a similar nature, but of possibly increased severity, to that which was suffered by Andrew Ellis (Crusaders scrum-half) earlier in the campaign.

"Once the swelling has reduced, Dan will be reviewed and we will have a clearer picture of the likely time-line as to when he will be able to resume training."

Carter sustained the injury while making a tackle on a Hurricanes player during the second half. He was assisted from the field immediately and took no further part in the game.

Although the injury is of a similar nature to that of Ellis, Dr Page was quick to warn that all cases are different, as are the respective recovery time-lines.

Ellis was originally expected to be sidelined for six weeks after suffering his injury during the Crusaders opening pre-season match against the Hurricanes, but recovered quickly enough to feature in the team's competition opener three weeks later.

Carter is currently on leave, but Dr Page said his injury would be reviewed after being given some time to "settle down".

He will then undergo further assessment from the Crusaders medical team when he rejoins the side at the end of next week.

Dr Page said the Crusaders would be briefing the All Black medical team along every step of Carter's rehabilitation path.

The Crusaders, who lead the competition after recording their seventh straight win on Friday, have the bye during next week's round.