Johann van Graan could be forced into a major reshuffle as Bath prepare to launch their Premiership title defence without their frontline flyhalves.

Bath are preparing for a tough encounter away to Harlequins next Friday.

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With British & Irish Lions star Finn Russell unavailable for the opening two rounds, Santiago Carreras on international duty with Argentina, and Sam Harris still sidelined, Bath looked set to turn to Ciaran Donoghue.

But the 22-year-old, who emerged as one of last season’s breakout players during Bath’s trophy-winning run, has now been ruled out after picking up a knee injury in a pre-season hit-out against Munster.

That leaves Van Graan potentially turning to his fifth-choice option at flyhalf — though the South African insists Bath still have cards to play.

“The good thing is we plan for every eventuality. As I have said many times, professional sport is about being adaptable and fluid and there are many potential options at 10,” said Van Graan.

“Ben Spencer has played there before for us, so has Max Ojomoh, Tom de Glanville has trained in pre-season there, Tom Carr-Smith has done well as a back-up 10, and Cam (Redpath) has played there before, so there are options if we need them.”

“We might experiment with one or two bits,” the Bath mentor added.

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Van Graan and his staff will be hoping Donoghue’s layoff is short-term, with Bath fans anxious to see their young playmaker back in action. Meanwhile, Harris – who can cover both flyhalf and fullback – is said to be “progressing well” after the knee injury that has kept him out since February.

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