England lock Maro Itoje could be fast-tracked into returning from injury according to head coach Eddie Jones.
Itoje, who suffered medial ligament damage against Ireland in England’s 6 Nations opener, was initially thought to be side-lined for the remainder of the championship.
However, fellow lock Courtney Lawes suffered a calf strain in England’s loss to Wales on Saturday and is set to be missing from action for four weeks.
Courtney Lawes to miss rest of Guinness Six Nations.
We wish him a speedy recovery ?
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With that in mind Jones has suggested he might give Itoje a push in the right direction heading into his sides final two games.
“Itoje is coming along well, I might have to give him the hurry-up, because we’ve lost Courtney. We’ve lost three of our best forwards and we’ve got to be able to cope,” he said.
Although Itoje is thought to be ahead of schedule, last week England’s forwards coach Steve Borthwick told Sky Sports that he would certainly not face the Welsh but also failed to give any certainty as to if he will be available when they face Italy.
“I expect him to continue to be monitored on a day-by-day basis and progress. he is not fit for this Saturday and right now I am not looking beyond that,” he said.
Earlier today it was confirmed that Bath
lock Charlie Ewels has been called up for England’s training camp in Oxford
this week in place of the injured Lawes.
Ewels addition to the squad will take some pressure off Itoje, but if Jones insists on hurrying one of his star men back, one can only wonder will he cause more harm than good heading into the World Cup later this year.
