Owen Farrell will see a specialist next week after a fresh injury wrecked his hopes of being ready for the Six Nations.
Three days after being named as England captain for a tournament which starts a fortnight tomorrow, Farrell was ruled out of his comeback match.
Saracens issued a statement confirming the 100-cap international had been injured in training ahead of Sunday’s European Challenge Cup clash with London Irish.
“Owen was back in full training having recovered from the ankle injury he sustained against Australia during the Autumn internationals,” said a club spokesman. “We will have a further update after he sees a specialist early next week.”
Farrell has not played any rugby since damaging ankle ligaments playing against Australia in November and undergoing surgery.
In his absence Courtney Lawes captained England against South Africa and led his team to a notable win over the world champions.
Lawes is almost certain to keep the job for England’s Six Nations opener away against Scotland, with Marcus Smith and Henry Slade shoring up the playmaking duties.
