Farrell to discover Six Nations fate as woes mount for Lancaster
ENGLAND fly-half Owen Farrell’s Six Nations prospects remained in the balance last night as head coach Stuart Lancaster continues to endure deepening injury woes.
The knee injury picked up by No10 Farrell during Saracens’ European Champions Cup defeat against Clermont Auvergne on Sunday has been scanned and the 23-year-old was set to be assessed by a specialist yesterday evening.
Lancaster is duo to give an update on Farrell and his other injury worries today, just 10 days before England face Wales in the opening match of the Six Nations at the Millennium Stadium on Friday, 6 February.
Farrell joins Saracens team-mate Brad Barritt and Bath centre Kyle Eastmond on the injured list after the midfield duo picked up knee and shoulder injuries respectively during a bruising weekend of European action.
Question marks remain over Luther Burrell, who suffered concussion against Racing Metro on Sunday, although the Northampton centre will undergo head injury protocol with a view to returning to full training on Friday.
England also have concerns in the forwards and two-time British and Irish Lion Tom Croft and uncapped second row Christian Day have been added to the senior training squad while injuries to Geoff Parling and Tom Wood are fully determined.
“Tom’s ankle and Owen’s knee have been scanned,” said Lancaster last night. “Owen will see a specialist and we will be able to provide an update on him and the other injured players tomorrow, along with any other potential additions to the squad.
“The players will be fully assessed once they get into camp this evening and it’s too early to give any definitive news on their status.”
Parling was withdrawn in the opening stages of Leicester’s defeat to Ulster on Saturday with a knee injury, while Wood was forced off with an ankle problem as reigning Premiership champions Northampton lost 32-8 to Racing Metro at Franklin’s Gardens.