England insist Courtney Lawes and Jonny Hill are still in contention for Saturday’s Six Nations opener against Scotland at Murrayfield.
Lawes has yet to complete the return to play protocols for concussion, while Hill is struggling with a foot injury, with neither forward able to take part in training on Tuesday.
Eddie Jones names his team for the Calcutta Cup clash on Thursday morning and forwards coach Matt Proudfoot maintains that they could be involved.
“Courtney is still going through his return to play processes and he’s progressing through that,” Proudfoot said.
“We’ll have a look at how Jonny Hill comes through his process. So far everybody is looking in a good state.
Lawes’ last outing was for Northampton against Ulster on January 16 when he left the pitch early after taking a knock and, since coming into England camp last Monday, he has been unable to train.
A stress fracture has prevented Hill from playing since Exeter faced Harlequins on January 8 and, given his lack of game time, he appears increasingly unlikely to be involved against Scotland.
England therefore enter a tricky opener with the prospect of three of their first-choice back five forwards ruled out through injury, with flanker Sam Underhill missing from the Six Nations squad altogether because of his own concussion issues.
It is the scenario of losing Lawes that will concern Jones most after the blindside flanker, who at 32 years old has been producing the best rugby of his career, was earmarked to deputise for ankle-surgery victim Owen Farrell as captain.
Proudfoot insists no risks will be taken with Lawes’ return and is confident that among vice-captains Tom Curry, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Ellis Genge an alternative skipper can be found.
“With concussion it’s very important that you follow that process. If we have one per cent of doubt then Courtney won’t play,” Proudfoot said.
“He’s raring to go and has been progressing nicely through what’s he’s been asked to do and through what the doctor has structured him for.
“He’s right on top of it so let’s see how he goes. It’s only Tuesday and there are still a couple of days to go.
“Eddie’s got a good leadership team in place. Tom leads by example and with the intensity he trains at.
“Each one of the young guys who support Courtney have their own speciality in how they’re leading and I must say the intensity in training was really spot on today.”
England received some positive news after Joe Marler came through Tuesday’s critical practise session having spent the last week in self-isolation because of Covid.
Marler is likely to provide bench cover for Genge against the Scots, although centre Joe Marchant is still quarantining due to coronavirus.
“Joe will be OK for Saturday. He trained flat out today. I had a scrummaging session with Joe and he’s looking good,” Proudfoot said.
