Sam Warburton is now an injury doubt for the Lions’ tour to New ZealandGetty Images
But Warburton, who captained the Lions’s 2013 series win in Australia, will now miss the rest of the domestic season after damaging medial ligaments in Cardiff’s PRO12 clash against Ulster on Friday.
And while Warburton is set to be named in the squad, the 28-year-old’s injury could force Kiwi coach Gatland to consider the likes of Wales team-mate Alun Wyn Jones as skipper.
If Warburton returns in six weeks, that would give him just a week before the opening tour game – with the first Test three weeks later.
Alun Wyn Jones could now skipper the tour instead of WarburtonAP:Associated PressWarburton and Warren Gatland went to meet former Prime Minister David Cameron at 10 Downing Street after their Lions series win in AustraliaTimes Newspapers LtdWarburton in action during the Lions’ 2-1 series win Down Under in 2013Getty Images
However, Cardiff coach Danny Wilson expects Warburton to be fit enough to tour when the Lions jet off on May 29.
Wilson said: “Sam has a low grade medial strain which will put him out for approximately six weeks, which won’t interfere with the Lions.
“He shouldn’t have any problem regarding the Lions.
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“Knowing how diligent Sam will be, with all these things, you see players who get back quickly if they follow religiously the protocol and they get a bit of luck.
“And I am sure that will be the case with Sam in terms of him following the protocol, and then we will see, all being well, how quickly he can come back.
“‘Low grade’ was the important bit of news.
Warburton, who has 74 Wales caps, played two games before injury ruled him out of the final Test in the 2013 Lions tourTimes Newspapers Ltd
“Sam is very experienced and a good professional who knows his body. He knows if he works hard he will be back relatively quickly.
“I think it is relatively good news, considering how it could have been.”
Former Wales and Lions scrum-half Mike Phillips has announced he will retire at the end of the season.
Sale’s Phillips, 34, won two Grand Slams and made 99 caps for Wales, touring twice with the Lions.
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