11:18am Thursday 9th September 2010
By Alan Feldberg
JOE Simpson is likely to miss Wasps’ trip to Newcastle tomorrow.
Richard Birkett is also ruled out but Wasps hope David Lemi and Steve Kefu will be available.
They are also monitoring Phil Vickery after he took a knock against Harlequins.
Director of rugby Tony Hanks said: “Richard Birkett and Vicks took knocks against Quins. It’s unlikely Birky will feature and we’ll make a call on Vicks after training.
“Steve Kefu returned to full training this week so we’re hoping he can be considered, and the same with David Lemi.”
Simpson though, remains a doubt with a hamstring injury.
Hanks said: “Joe is building up his running at the moment. It’s a long season and we won’t rush him.
“He’s missed two potential national selections through injury. I don’t want him to have to miss a third so we won’t rush Joe.
“He’s important to what we’re doing and without Joe last year we were in trouble if I’m really honest.
“But with Nic [Berry] coming in and Charlie Davies and even Jonah Holmes we’ve got a lot more depth and confidence that we can still be a good side without Joe.”
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