Centre Matt Scott is the latest Scotland frontline casualty to have his season end prematurely after undergoing surgery on a troublesome shoulder problem.
The Edinburgh centre is out for the rest of the season after an exploratory operation on the shoulder that has bothered him all season found that further surgery was required. It’s expected he will be available for the international training camp prior to the Rugby World Cup, but it’s another headache that national head coach Vern Cotter could do without.
Scott underwent a long period out of the game last summer and autumn due to surgical procedures on both his shoulders. He returned to action with Edinburgh in the early spring but suffered an aggravation of the injury in the final match of the 6 Nations against Ireland last month.
“It had been hoped that Matt would be able to manage his injury conservatively but following consultation with specialists at Spire Murrayfield the decision to perform an investigative arthroscopy was taken,” said a statement from Edinburgh Rugby.
“This resulted in him requiring a further surgical procedure to help deal with his shoulder complaints. Matt will now continue with his rehabilitation programme with the Edinburgh Rugby medical team and will be unavailable to play for the rest of the season.”
Scott will therefore miss Edinburgh’s European Challenge Cup quarter-final against the Dragons on Friday, and the final should Edinburgh progress.
Just last week it was confirmed that wing Sean Maitland was out for the rest of the season following a shoulder operation, while Scott’s fellow centre Alex Dunbar suffered an ACL tear during training during the RBS 6 Nations and could miss the World Cup in September and October.
In addition to the three backs, locks Richie Gray and Grant Gilchrist are likely to go to Scotland camp in the summer without having played top line rugby for several months. Gray injured his arm against Wales in the 6 Nations while Gilchrist, who was initially named as the new Scotland captain, has missed almost the entire season since breaking his arm in a European Challenge Cup game in October.