Australia’s preparations for the second Ashes Test have hit a few speed bumps, with injury clouds hanging over multiple key Kangaroos stars ahead of Saturday’s clash with England in Liverpool.
After skipper Isaah Yeo was officially ruled out following a category one concussion suffered early in the first Test, the Kangaroos were dealt another scare when forward Tino Fa’asuamaleaui sat out Tuesday’s training session in London.
The Gold Coast Titans captain didn’t take part in full drills as part of a carefully managed workload program, spending the session on the exercise bike, passing footballs with staff and walking laps while teammates trained.
Fa’asuamaleaui had ice strapped to his knee earlier in the week but is still likely expected to line up against England, with team officials stressing the decision to rest him was precautionary after the big forward returned from an ACL injury in 2025.
MORE: Cherry-Evans shock new contract details revealed
Fullback Reece Walsh was also monitored after reporting some soreness in his toe and light tightness in his left thigh, but completed the majority of the session and is also tipped to play.
With Yeo unavailable, hooker Harry Grant will captain the side for the second Test, while Panthers prop Lindsay Smith is firming as the likely inclusion to replace Yeo in the 17.
The 29-year-old Yeo has begun light running at training but remains under concussion protocols and will be held out until the final Test in Leeds next week.
His early exit from the opening Test at Wembley came after a heavy collision in the ninth minute, forcing him from the field and leaving the Kangaroos to reshuffle on the fly.
Despite the setbacks, spirits remain high in camp following a dominant 34-10 win in the series opener, which drew record viewers in the UK and set the stage for a strong finish to the three-match series.
Australia’s medical staff will continue to monitor both Fa’asuamaleaui and Walsh in the lead-up to Saturday’s match, with the Kangaroos determined to wrap up the Ashes before the series finale.