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Published 16:26 12 Apr 2017 BST
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He would still have plenty of time to get up to speed before the first Test match against the All Blacks on June 24.
However, his durability is a concern and you cannot blame Gatland for taking this into consideration, especially when you review Warburton's history of injuries.
https://twitter.com/5liveSport/status/851863197841862656
The list makes for scary reading when you look at the variety of the injuries - ankle, knee, hamstring, finger, shoulder, neck and cheekbone.
Of course, Warburton isn't on his own in this regard, the increasingly physically demanding nature of modern rugby union means that more and more players have injury records such as this.
That's a debate for another day, however.
What Gatland must decide now is whether he should run the risk of naming a player who is prone to injury as the captain of the Lions.
This may not sway the Kiwi, though.
There will likely be a strong leadership group in the squad so other players can step in when needed.
Like when Alun Wyn Jones captained the Lions in the third Test against Australia in 2013 because of an injury to Warburton.
With that in mind, it would definitely be a shock if anyone but the 28-year-old is named as captain on Wednesday.Prendergast admits huge disappointment at Munster situation
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