Sale Sharks flanker Tom Curry is poised for a long-awaited return to action after being sidelined for months due to a severe hip injury described as akin to a “car crash.”
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Curry’s last game was England’s World Cup third-place play-off victory against Argentina in October. Since then, he has undergone a demanding six-hour operation to repair arthritic changes, labrum, and cartilage tears.
Following the successful surgery, his recovery has been equally challenging. At one point, it seemed unlikely that Curry would be able to play again this season.
However, there was finally some good news today as the Mail Online reported that the flanker is set for a timely return to the side ahead of their Premiership semi-final clash with Bath. He could even start at The Rec.
They said: “Tom is understood to have been cleared for a comeback, and he is poised to resume his double Curry alliance with twin brother Ben, who has been in commanding form in leading the Sharks’ late-season title charge.”
Five biggest shocks from Borthwick’s latest squad – Zach Mercer left out again
There were a number of high-profile absentees as Steve Borthwick named a 19-player training squad to begin preparations for the forthcoming Summer Series against Japan and New Zealand.
The squad will assemble at Pennyhill Park on Monday 27 May for a four-day training camp.
England’s Summer Series begins on Saturday 22 June with a Test match against Japan in Tokyo before embarking on a two-Test tour of New Zealand in July.
England training squad (19 players)
Forwards
Fin Baxter (Harlequins)
Chandler Cunningham-South (Harlequins)
Alex Dombrandt (Harlequins)
Greg Fisilau (Exeter Chiefs)
Joe Heyes (Leicester Tigers)
George Martin (Leicester Tigers)
Gabriel Oghre (Bristol Bears)
Guy Pepper (Newcastle Falcons)
Ethan Roots (Exeter Chiefs)
Rusi Tuima (Exeter Chiefs)
Backs
Charlie Atkinson (Gloucester Rugby)
Immanuel Feyi-Waboso (Exeter Chiefs)
Max Malins (Bristol Bears)
Luke Northmore (Harlequins)
Harry Randall (Bristol Bears)
Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs)
Marcus Smith (Harlequins)
Freddie Steward (Leicester Tigers)
Jack van Poortvliet (Leicester Tigers)
High-profile absentees:
#1.Joe Launchbury (Harlequins)
There have been rumours that the veteran might have done enough to earn a recall. Although he missed the last few games due to a calf injury, there’s still a good chance he could join the squad as the final announcement approaches.
#2. Zach Mercer (Gloucester)
There was a lot of buzz this week about Mercer possibly returning to the international team. However, yet another squad was announced without him being recalled. The sidelined number 8 must be questioning what more he needs to do to earn a spot on the team.
