Bath Rugby will be without centre Max Ojomoh for this Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership match against Exeter Chiefs due to a calf injury sustained last weekend. However, the good news is that Ojomoh is expected to make a return sooner than initially feared. Following scans and assessments, Bath’s head of rugby, Ian van Graan, announced that the injury is not serious and Ojomoh could be back on the field within weeks.
Van Graan shared in Tuesday’s press conference, “Max went through several scans with our medical team, and it’s looking much better than we first thought. He won’t be available this weekend, but we anticipate a return in the next couple of weeks. He is a crucial player for us, so this is positive news.”
Ojomoh’s injury had raised concerns ahead of the 2026 Six Nations, especially after his outstanding performance for England against Argentina. Van Graan was quick to reassure fans, stating, “While it’s still early days with the calf, the MRI results have been very encouraging. Once he starts running, we will have a clearer picture, but the prognosis is much better than initially expected.”
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In addition to Ojomoh, fullback Tom de Glanville and locks Charlie Ewels and Ewan Richards will also miss the upcoming fixture. De Glanville sustained a deep calf contusion following a high-impact collision with the post during a previous match. Van Graan commented, “Tom’s collision looked severe, but thankfully it’s a bruise rather than a back injury, which is a relief. He will be sidelined for a few weeks but is on the mend.”
The club faces a tougher challenge with Charlie Ewels, who is battling a leg infection that has kept him out of recent matches, including the Champions Cup game against Toulon. “Charlie is a vital player and team leader. Unfortunately, he’s undergoing specialist treatment and will be out for several weeks. Health must come first,” van Graan explained.
Ewan Richards remains sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained before Christmas. “He hasn’t been able to run yet, but we hope to get him back by the end of the week and evaluate his progress,” added van Graan.
On a brighter note, scrum-half Bernard van der Linde, winger Will Muir, and number eight Alfie Barbeary have been training well this week and are expected to be available for selection against Exeter Chiefs.