Gregor Townsend expects Finn Russell to be back from injury for next year’s Guinness Six Nations but admitted fellow fly-half Adam Hastings could miss the 2021 Championship.
Russell was making his first start for his country in over a year during Saturday’s 14-10 win over Wales in Llanelli as Scotland finished this year’s Guinness Six Nations on a high.
But the Racing 92 playmaker only played half an hour before being replaced by Hastings, who was also unable to complete the game after retiring with just over ten minutes left.
Townsend has since confirmed that 28-year-old Russell and Hastings, 24, have both been ruled out of the forthcoming Autumn Nations Cup, which kicks off next weekend.
A groin injury means Russell will be out of action for a minimum of six weeks, which Townsend hopes will see him return in time for the start of next year’s Guinness Six Nations.
Meanwhile, Hastings suffered a shoulder injury against Wales which is set to keep him on the sidelines for four months – missing most of the 2021 Championship as well.
“Finn we hope will be back in time for the Six Nations, but it’s unlikely Adam will be back before the end of that tournament,” head coach Townsend told the BBC Scotland Rugby Podcast.
“At the very best he’ll come back at the end, but that will depend on how things go.”
Scotland kick off their Autumn Nations Cup campaign away to Italy a week on Saturday before taking on France and Fiji in the inaugural eight-team tournament.
Skipper Stuart Hogg ended last weekend’s Championship contest in the No.10 slot as he kicked the final points to secure Scotland’s first win in Wales since 2002.
But with full-back Hogg keen to remain in the back three, Worcester Warriors’ be handed a recall for Townsend’s men, with his last start coming against Ireland in March 2016.
Scotland will open next year’s Guinness Six Nations away to England on February 6.
