Steve Borthwick's preparations for his Guinness Six Nations debut have been dealt a serious blow after full-back Elliot Daly was ruled out of the tournament.
Daly, 30, withdrew from the squad on Tuesday after suffering a hamstring injury in Saracens' European defeat to Edinburgh two days prior. However, that withdrawal has proved more permanent than the player or his coach would have liked, with the player likely to need around three months to recover.
"Elliot Daly suffered a hamstring injury in the Heineken Champions Cup match against Edinburgh," read a statement from Saracens. "It is estimated he will return to action in around 12 weeks. We’re all behind you, Elliot!"
The two-time British and Irish Lions tourist was one of the most highly anticipated recalls to England's ranks after Borthwick's predecessor, Eddie Jones, dropped him from his plans in 2022. Daly was a near-constant figure for England during their run to the 2019 Rugby World Cup final, playing every minute in all but one of their matches as they finished as runners-up to South Africa.
His absence likely cements Leicester Tigers full-back Freddie Steward in the No. 15 jersey, though England are bound to miss his added cover in the centre and on the wings. The Red Rose opens its Six Nations campaign at home to Scotland on February 4, when they'll hope to avoid a third straight defeat to their northern neighbours.
Daly isn't the only injury concern on Borthwick's plate following a recent rise in knocks affecting his selection. A calf injury has thrown fellow Lion Courtney Lawes' tournament into doubt, while Gloucester hooker George McGuigan is also out of consideration for the time being.
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Exeter Chiefs star Luke Cowan-Dickie is also set to miss at least the start of the competition with an ankle complaint. The hooker position is of particular concern as Saracens' Jamie George undergoes return-to-play protocols having suffered a concussion in Edinburgh, preventing him from training until the week of the Scotland game.
Should Daly require the full 12 weeks to recover from his latest injury, it would mean he could be available for Sarries' final fixture of the first phase of the Premiership season when they visit Bath on May 6. He could also be fit to feature in the Champions Cup final in Dublin on May 2019 provided his team make it that far in his absence.
The utility back will be disappointed to have seen his England comeback end before it has begun, particularly as Steward was one of the team's brightest stars amid a disappointing 2022 campaign. That being said, there's still a chance Borthwick will want the player in his plans for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France later this year.
