All the latest information on injuries and suspensions in the England Six Nations squad, with updates taken directly from Eddie Jones press conferences and interviews.
#1. Owen Farrell
It is understood that Jones is primed to name a new captain next week, with Farrell set to miss the pre-tournament training camp in Brighton and see a specialist to discover the length of his layoff.
Farrell sustained an ankle injury, which required surgery, in England’s second autumn international against Australia, having had to sit out the victory over Tonga due to a false positive test for Covid-19. Considering he has made just five appearances for club and country this season, he is expected to remain with Saracens and continue his rehabilitation for the foreseeable future.
Owen Farrell of England limps off injured during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK
The second-row is currently unavailable to train this week as he is undergoing head injury return to play protocols. If he fails to get sign off from a Doctor, he may be a serious doubt for the Six Nations opener against Scotland.
#4. Manu Tuilagi
As regards Tuilagi, Sale boss Alex Sanderson had recently suggested the midfielder was close to a comeback but that no longer appears to be the case. Jones revealed: “He has had a wee setback but we will just have to wait and see what he is up to. He needs to get some training, needs to play a few games. If we are 100 per cent optimistic we’d say yes (he will feature in the Six Nations). If we are realistic it’s probably about a 50/50.”
Manu Tuilagi of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Australia at Twickenham on 13 November 2021. Photo: Micah Crook/PPAUK
#5. Sam Underhill
In his first game since suffering a concussion against Gloucester on Boxing Day, the backrower suffered another bad one against Leinster over the weekend after making a tackle.
Underhill, who had been tipped for a recall by Eddie Jones this week, could now be ruled out for weeks or months after coming off early once again.
Earlier this week, the England coach had said: “Sam is not quite ready,
“He has had a fairly truncated period since the autumn but we are hopeful he will get himself fit and match ready for later in the tournament.”
One fan even commented that “Underhill needs to quit. He’s going to seriously damage his health. I get worried every time he plays.’
Joe Marler has tested positive for COVID & has withdrawn from the training camp in Brighton.
All of the other England players and staff have undergone daily lateral flow testing – all of which returned negative results.
Squad update | Elliot Daly and George Ford have been called up to the squad and Nick Isiekwe joins as injury cover for Courtney Lawes.
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Truly worrying times for @BathRugby Sam Underhill. First game since suffering a concussion against Gloucester on Boxing Day and 15 minutes the backrower appears to have suffered a further one making a tackle. Great care needed.
#BATvLEI