Rugby: Gill in doubt as Horwill back from injuries

Lock Horwill is likely to play 40 minutes in his long-awaited return from hamstring and ankle injuries if he completes training this week. Photo / NZPA

The Reds are holding their breath as in-form flanker Liam Gill has scans on his knee before Saturday night's Super 15 clash with the Bulls.

While Wallabies captain James Horwill is set to return to the Reds forward pack, Gill is in doubt after pulling up with a medial ligament concern from the weekend's 19-12 loss to the Western Force.

Gill has consistently been Queensland's best player across the first five rounds of the competition and is fighting hard with Michael Hooper to be David Pocock's test replacement at openside flanker.

Reds coaching boss Ewen McKenzie did not believe the injury was serious but booked Gill in for scans to ensure he would not break down against the Bulls at Suncorp Stadium. "We're basically checking him out to make sure there's nothing sinister there," McKenzie said.

If Gill is out, Jake Schatz may move from No8 to No7 as back-up openside. Beau Robinson (ankle) is also sidelined.

Reserve back-rower Radike Samo's knee injury could give youngster Jarrad Butler his run-out starting debut.

Lock Horwill is likely to play 40 minutes in his long-awaited return from hamstring and ankle injuries if he completes training this week.

-AAP