Widnes wing Patrick Ah Van set to miss three months with broken arm

By Andy Charles

Image: Patrick Ah Van is likely to be absent from the Widnes squad until May

Widnes are set to be without winger Patrick Ah Van for up to three months after he scored a try in their season-opening match with a broken arm.

Ah Van said he was suffering pain in his arm during the 40-12 win over Catalans Dragons on Sunday but managed to play on and touched down for one of the Vikings' seven tries with 10 minutes remaining.

However, the 29-year-old has since undergone a scan which showed a clean break and could rule him out until May.

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Vikings coach Denis Betts said: "It's the nature of the beast in sport but you have got to feel sorry for Pat. He's worked hard to get himself in fantastic condition for the season ahead and I believe he is in the best shape of his life.

"It is incredibly unfortunate that he has broken his arm in the first game of the season. It's something you can't account for and it was just a clash between two players in a tackle.

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"But when one door shuts, another one opens and this has presented opportunities for lads who are keen to get into the side for Sunday and to stay there.

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"Ryan Ince is on his way back from injury and is only a couple of weeks away, Olly Ashall knows his responsibilities in that role and Ed Chamberlain has come out of the World Cup, so we've got lads who are keen and ready.

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"As we have said previously, the door is not closed on further recruitment. With the continuing support of people signing up for Stronghold Memberships and investing in their team, we can explore opportunities to strengthen the squad.

"We know that Pat is determined to come back as soon as possible from this injury, and we are looking forward to his return."

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