Flanker Macleod injured his Pectoral muscle in training this week, whilst Costelow will miss out following the head injury return-to-play protocols following a knock in the 34-21 defeat to Munster last weekend
The duo join lock’s Jac Price and Sam Lousi whose ‘Lat’ muscle injury kept the Tongan out of round one of fixtures, with a return not likely until the second block of games.
In the pack Kemsley Mathias’ oblique muscle strain is likely to keep the prop out of Saturday’s game. The front-row will also continue to be missing hookers Marnus van der Merwe and Ryan Elias. The South African unavailable with international commitments, whilst the Elias remains out with a long-term elbow problem.
“This first block is going to be a real test of our depth, but that’s the nature of it,” said Peel in his pre-match conference.
“We are carrying a small squad, but there are opportunities for guys to step in and play and I look forward to seeing some of the young guys go.
“Losing Sam and Kemsley, it has a big effect because they’re two good players for us.
“We’ve lost Josh this week as well, he’s a great captain and will be sorely missed, but it’s an opportunity for Dan [Davis] and Jarrod [Taylor] to step up in that slot and I’m sure they’ll do a good job for us.”
[Lead image: Scarlets Rugby]
