Barkley in fitness battle

Bath are hoping inside centre Olly Barkley can recover from the back spasms which kept him out of yesterday’s defeat at Sale in time to return against Saracens at the Rec on New Year’s Day.

The England international was an 11th hour withdrawal from the 19-10 reverse at Edgeley Park after hurting his back in kicking practice on St Stephen's Day.

“We gave Barkley until the very last minute but, in the end, we had to take the decision to pull him out because he was still suffering from spasms in his back,” head coach John Connolly told the Bath Chronicle.

“Losing him so late before the kick-off was a blow because he’s an important figure in the team, but young Ryan Davis came into the side at short notice and performed very well for the second time in just over a week.

“Hopefully, Barkley will be okay in time for the game against Sarries at the Rec this weekend.”