With the injuries mounting prior to the end of a gruelling first set of games in the URC, the availability of two of Ospreys most consistent performers and leaders will be a welcome boost to the Ospreys boss ahead of busy period domestically and in Europe.
Number eight Morris hasn’t been seen in all black since been taken off the field in the EPCR Challenge Cup quarter-final defeat to Lyon at the Swansea.com Stadium back in April.
Having undergone an operation on a foot problem prior to Judgement Day back in May, Morris had a set back with a calf problem. After overcoming the setback, Jones now feels the 26-year-old’s rehabilitation has gone well with a returning to action nearing.
“It’s going well [Morris’ rehabilitation], he’s coming back well,” said Jones.
“He’s had a nasty niggle with his calf. Initially it was a foot injury he had an operation on, but he damaged the calf in some of his rehab running on the way back and that has bothered him a little bit.
“What we have tried to do is not rush him and get him right, but we will see him in the next block for sure, it’s just a case of where in that block he comes back into contention.
“Then when he gets back fit and training there are going to be a couple of weeks of re-integration where he gets his volume up and we make sure it is safe for him to take the field.”
Watkin’s injury journey has taken a little longer with the centre suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury appearing for Wales in the Six Nations opener against France back in January.
Nine months later, 29-year-old Watkin, who has featured on 121 occasions for the Ospreys and committed his future to the region back in May, is also nearing a return.
“He [Watkin] will be around the same time as Morgan [returning], all being well. He is coming along nicely,” explained Jones.
“He had to have another mini operation to tidy up a bit of a problem within his knee because there was a bit of swelling, but that seems to have worked a treat.
“Now it is just a case of getting him back ready to go and build up the strength of the knee and his capacity work.
“Owen is an excellent example of our successful pathway programme, not just from a playing viewpoint, but from a character perspective also.
“Having a centre that’s as influential on both sides of the ball, as he is, is crucial in modern rugby.
“We see Owen as an important piece of our puzzle going forward, especially from a leadership perspective.
“It has been tough [without the two], but it has created an opportunity for other players.”
[Lead image: Ospreys Rugby]
