Nigerian-born rugby star, Maro Itoje is set for an early return from injury, as England’s coach, Eddi Jones is considering fast-tracking the lock back into his Six Nations squad for their next game against Italy.
Itoje had previously sustained medial ligament damage during England’s 32-20 win over holders Ireland in their opening game and Jones said the 24-year-old had made good progress with his rehabilitation.
However, Itoje is not the only injured member of the team, as Courtney Lawes was ruled out of the tournament with a calf injury following the loss to Wales on Saturday.
Apart from Lawes, prop Mako Vunipola (ankle) and hooker Dylan Hartley (knee) have also been ruled out for the rest of the Six Nations.
England host Italy at Twickenham on March 9 before playing Scotland on March 16 in their final game of the tournament, with Itoje now tipped to be part of the squad.
Jones said after his after his side’s 21-13 Six Nations defeat to Wales in Cardiff: “(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.”
