MARCUS SMITH has been ruled out of England's Six Nations opener against Italy on Saturday in a hammer blow for Steve Borthwick's side.
And in a potential second setback, scrum-half Alex Mitchell has not trained for the last two days in Spain because of an infected leg wound.
Fly-half Smith injured his calf before limping out of practice on Monday in Girona and scans ruled him out of the Italy clash.
England have asked for a second scan on the 24-year-old to clear up whether he will be available for their next game, a clash with Wales a week on Saturday.
Denne historien er fra January 31, 2024-utgaven av Daily Star.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra January 31, 2024-utgaven av Daily Star.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
LITTLER BRITAIN
UK willies among smallest in world!
ERIK'S LEAKY BOAT STAYS AFLOAT
But America's Cup can't distract Old Trafford chiefs from sinking feeling
Blues still punching above their weight
Enzo slows hype as side fail to cut down Forest
WALT-ZER
Big Sam leaves 'em in spin but ride looks over
STOCKING THRILLER
Rossa stars on his Arc angel
That's tea potty!
BRITS BREWING UP WITH FIZZY WATER
SLEEPING DIVORCES
Couples extend homes to kip alone
Invasion of the Chinese killer bugs..
TREE ATTACKERS JOIN ASIAN STINK PESTS
FRANKENSTEIN BEAVER BOFFS
Plan to resurrect extinct giant rodent
Bank Holloween
BRITS DEMAND DAY OFF FOR SPOOKFEST