Santi Carreras confirmed with ACL rupture, ruling him out for the season

Santi Carreras will play no further part in Bath’s season after the club confirmed the Argentina international ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during Friday night’s 23-5 Premiership derby defeat at Kingsholm.

The full-back fell awkwardly in the 12th minute against his former club Gloucester and, after receiving lengthy on-field treatment, was helped from the field to a round of applause — Gloucester supporters setting aside any ill feeling over his summer move to Bath’s rivals in a show of solidarity for the stricken player.

Bath’s Head of Medical Services, Rory Murray, delivered the update on player availability in the aftermath of what was a deeply difficult evening for the club. Alongside the Carreras news, flanker Guy Pepper limped off with an ankle injury that will rule him out of England’s Nations Championship programme.

South African No.8 Dan du Preez, who arrived at The Rec from Sale carrying a recent injury history, also remains unavailable for selection due to a hamstring problem.

There were some more encouraging signs in Rory Murray’s assessment, however. Will Muir, Henry Arundell and Tom de Glanville — Bath’s celebrated back-three trio — have all returned to team training, offering some relief to a backline that has looked short of pace in recent weeks. Thompson Cowan and Billy Sela are also expected back in the coming weeks, with Sam Underhill (bicep) pencilled in for a return in early December.

Scotland prop Jamie Bhatti continues his rehabilitation from a broken arm sustained in Bath’s final pre-season friendly against Glasgow, with a return to action not expected until the New Year.