Wallabies prop Tom Robertson’s World Cup dreams are in tatters after a freak training injury

THE World Cup is less than 12 months away, and already Wallabies coach Michael Cheika is being handed some unwanted headaches.

Tom Robertson of the Wallabies holds his head during the first Bledisloe Cup match between Australia and New Zealand at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Saturday, August 18, 2018. (AAP Image/Steve Christo) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

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LUCKLESS Wallabies prop Tom Robertson could be an early casualty for next year’s World Cup after suffering a freak injury while training in Argentina.

Robertson was not picked for this weekend’s Test against the Pumas but was doing some opposing work at the team’s last training session in Buenos Aires before they flew to Salta for the Test.

Tom Robertson charges upfield for the Wallabies. Picture: Getty

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Without warning, his right knee suddenly gave way and he collapsed onto the pitch. He was helped off and given immediate treatment but was in significant pain and coach Michael Cheika fears the worst.

“I’d say he’s done a significant knee injury,” Cheika said.

“I won’t pre-empt scans or anything like that but it’s not looking ideal.

“It was a very innocuous event, no contact, nothing, so it looks significant.”

Tom Robertson has played 24 Tests for Australia since debuting in 2016. Picture: AAP

Robertson still joined his teammates for the two-hour flight to Salta, sitting in the front row of the plane with his knee heavily bandaged and crutched to help him get off, and will return home with the rest of the squad as scheduled.

“There’s no point sending him home yet,” Cheika said.

“He’ll stay with us for the trip and then when he gets home, he’ll get the scans he needs and I imagine the operation he’ll need after that.”

If the damage to Robertson’s knee is serious enough to require major surgery, he could be in danger of missing the World Cup which starts in less than 12 months.

The Wallabies have had rotten luck with injuries at training this year with Israel Folau, David Pocock, Michael Hooper and Taniela Tupou all missing matches after breaking down at practice.

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Originally published as Wallabies prop Tom Robertson’s World Cup dreams are in tatters after a freak training injury