Josh Macleod: Scarlets captain ruled out for two months after 'freak accident' in training

Josh Macleod has played two internationals for Wales and made 112 appearances for Scarlets since his debut in 2015

Scarlets captain Josh Macleod faces at least two more months on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury in training.

Macleod, 27, was due to return to lead his side in the United Rugby Championship (URC) defeat of Cardiff but was ruled out.

"He had a freak accident in training," said Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel.

"I am not expecting him to be back in the short-term and it's a big blow for the squad."

The flanker has been unlucky with injuries during his career. Macleod was picked for Wales' 2020 autumn squad only for a hamstring injury to rule him out of that campaign.

He had been selected to start in the Six Nations game against Scotland in February 2021, but ruptured his Achilles tendon during a training session four days before the game.

After battling back, Macleod suffered more hamstring problems before finally making his international debut in the 13-12 defeat by Georgia in November 2022.

Macleod was part of this year's Wales' World Cup training squad before being ruled out of the tournament by a shoulder injury.

He was named Scarlets captain for the 2023-24 season, replacing Jonathan Davies, after leading the region in the second half of last season.

Now he has suffered another setback.

"It is a gut-wrencher for him," said Peel.

"Josh is our captain and has worked so hard to get back and was raring to go. We selected the team for Cardiff and he was delighted to get back and he has gone out to training and got injured.

"I feel for him because he is a warrior and we know he played the back end of last season in pain with his shoulder and missed the World Cup.

"He needed to get the shoulder sorted and that was the right thing to do. He was looking forward to the new season and so enthusiastic about being captain and now this.

"Luck is against him and all we can do is support him."