Leicester Tigers fly-half George Ford has been recalled to England 's squad ahead of the Six Nations following a delay in captain Owen Farrell 's return from injury.
Ford, 28, was left out of Eddie Jones ' initial 36-man training camp for the tournament but will now link up with the rest of the squad for the first time in almost a year.
Jones retained Farrell, 30, as captain for the Six Nations despite the Saracens star having failed to play since he suffered an ankle injury during the November win over Australia.
This latest concern is understood to be separate from the one sustained against the Wallabies two months ago.
In addition to Ford, Elliot Daly has been called up alongside Saracens team-mate Nick Isiekwe, who will provide cover for Courtney Lawes while he undergoes head injury return-to-play protocols.
Gloucester winger Jonny May has also pulled out of the squad after suffering a knee injury.
Farrell is expected to miss at least the Six Nations opener away to Scotland on February 5, although it's possible Farrell may be sidelined for more of the tournament.
In his absence, fellow British and Irish Lion Lawes will be the front-runner to receive the armband, while Harlequins ace Marcus Smith will be expected to carry on in the No. 10 jersey.
But 77-cap Ford is at least back in the conversation for that role after guiding Leicester back to the top of the Premiership this season, having only recently suffered their first defeat of the campaign.
The Sale Sharks-bound playmaker is the top points-scorer in the Premiership this season (148), having recorded at least 29 points more than his nearest competition until now.
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Many were surprised to see uncapped Bath prospect Orlando Bailey named in England's Six Nations squad ahead of the Tigers talisman, with Jones continuing his recent focus on developing young talent.
Ford's most recent minutes for England came during last year's Six Nations when he started four of their five games at fly-half en route to a joint-all-time worst finish of fifth place.
Jones opted to 'rest' the No. 10 for summer fixtures against the United States and Canada, then omitted Ford from his autumn squad altogether.
While Ford's talents may not have been required for England to win three games from as many outings in November, he now looks likely earn a place in Jones' matchday 23 heading to Murrayfield.
After travelling to face Scotland and Italy (Feb. 13) in the first two rounds, England can look forward to back-to-back home games against Wales (Feb. 26) and Ireland (March 12).
There's a little less than two months to go until the Red Rose conclude their tournament in France on March 19, however, giving hope Farrell may be back fit for what's sure to be a crucial encounter.
