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Gutho cleared for comeback ... almost
Clint Gutherson has been medically cleared to play for the Parramatta Eels. He's back in full training and is keen to return next week against the Penrith Panthers at ANZ Stadium.
He's bouncing off the walls, letting those at the club know about it.
But the Parramatta Eels want to err on the side of caution. The club won't allow the winless start to the season to influence their decision. His return date was officially round eight. That's the nine-month anniversary of the season-ending knee injury he suffered against the Wests Tigers.
NRL Strategic Plan 2018-2022
It's also the period of time most medical experts believe is required to minimise the likelihood of rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament again.
Gutherson has torn it twice. The cruel injury to Panthers prop Sam McKendry in round two is a harsh reminder of just how difficult it is returning from two ACL injuries, with the Penrith prop now sidelined for an extended period after doing his ACL for the third time just two games into his comeback.
The Eels could do with Gutherson on Easter Monday at ANZ Stadium against the Wests Tigers following the injuries to Bevan French and Jarryd Hayne. French may be back next week but Hayne is facing a month on the sidelines, with fears it could be six weeks.
When Gutherson is finally given the green light, which NRL.com understands is likely to be against the Canberra Raiders in round six, expect him to waltz straight back into the side and reclaim the No.1 jersey, regardless of who is available."
https://www.nrl.com/news/2018/03/28/how-wayne-bennett-almost-ended-and-saved-garth-brennans-career/
