Faletau will be gutted by injury timing – Roberts

Taulupe Faletau will be “gutted” by the timing of his broken arm, according to Bath and Wales team-mate Jamie Roberts.

Bath announced the injury on Tuesday, ruling the number eight out of the start of the club’s European campaign in the Champions Cup and almost certainly all four of Wales’ November internationals.

Roberts was unable to put a timescale on Faletau’s recovery but stressed players had to be prepared to cope with such injury setbacks.

“He’ll be gutted, Bath will gutted and I’m sure the Welsh coaches and Welsh public will be gutted as well,” he told Omnisport, speaking courtesy of Land Rover.

“He’s a top operator. It’s disappointing he’ll be injured for November and for Europe.

“He’s a good lad, a top player, but unfortunately it’s an occupational hazard.

“You never get to pick and choose when you get injured but unfortunately it’s his time.”

Roberts is himself recovering from injury, after fracturing his cheekbone against former club Harlequins earlier in the season.

But the centre is well on the road to recovery and is eager to get back in the Bath team as soon as possible, as he looks to win a place in Warren Gatland’s plans for this year’s Six Nations and the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

“It feels really good,” he added. “I’m just getting back to having full biting power in my mouth, which is good fun. I can actually chew food now! I don’t have to swallow pieces of steak whole, without chomping them down fully.

“But it’s going fine and my eye’s looking far better now.

Enjoyable day and win at the Stoop yesterday against some old friends. Picked up a nice souvenir too. Lovely pic.twitter.com/B8Gy0YFwUx

— Jamie Roberts (@Jamiehuwroberts) September 16, 2018

“I’d love to play in Europe. Let’s see how things shape up this week and next week.

“I want to get back playing as soon as possible, without undue risk to my face.

“But I’m desperate to play in the Champions Cup for Bath. It’s one of the main reasons I moved to this club, so I’m excited.”

Bath kick off their Champions Cup campaign at home to Toulouse on Saturday.

Jamie Roberts was speaking on behalf of Land Rover, the Official Vehicle Partner of Bath Rugby. @LandRoverRugby

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