Owen Farrell's injury status is turning into the mystery of the season.
First it was his back, then it was his hip. He hasn’t played since June but was nearly ready to return, although that was a month ago.
There was another scan last week, to try to clear up the doubt and confusion about what is delaying his recovery. Running is not a problem, but kicking most certainly is.
England's leading point scorer this year, Owen Farrell, has been sidelined since June
The England fly-half is still no closer to finding out what is causing his injury
Saracens have coped admirably in his absence, thanks to the rapid emergence of Alex Lozowski, but the champions want clarity about their premier playmaker — as do England.
At the moment, the national coaches are apparently in the dark. Steve Borthwick was asked about Farrell in Brighton, where the squad have been training, and he said: ‘I wish I had the answer. You know as much as I do on that one.
‘There have been medical investigations and I know Saracens are managing it the way it needs to be done for the player’s health. He will be back when he’s back; when he’s 100 per cent right. That’s all I know. He has been training hard and is in good shape, but has not done anything rugby-wise.’
Saracens would ideally like to have Farrell back and at full throttle for their momentous Aviva Premiership showdown with league leaders Wasps at Allianz Park on Sunday, but there are no indications that the fly-half is suddenly going to be ready for that pivotal fixture. Instead, the mystery goes on.
Saracens' Alex Lozowski has been given a call-up after impressing as Farrell's understudy
Saracens would love to have their fly-half back for the Aviva Premiership clash with Wasps
England want him to __play before coming in to camp ahead of their autumn opener against South Africa on November 12, but his experience and big-match temperament mean that they would consider pitching him straight into that Test at Twickenham, as a first start of the season.
At this stage there are no grave concerns among the national hierarchy and sources have indicated Farrell is expected to be ‘fine’ in time to take on the Springboks.
Eddie Jones will be hoping that the Lions star is available, as he has operated well at inside centre, in a 10-12 alliance with George Ford. If Farrell’s return was further delayed, the next man in line to take his midfield place would be the uncapped Ben Te’o, who has missed Worcester’s last three games with concussion.
Encouragingly, he has been able to take part in training in Brighton and is said to be ‘back in the mix’ for the Warriors’ trip to face Leicester on Saturday.
Other prime No 12 candidates are scarce, as Manu Tuilagi is again battling with a groin problem and Luther Burrell has also been recovering from concussion. Henry Slade of Exeter would be the next option, but he is still striving for peak form.
England head coach Eddie Jones takes an alternative training session in Brighton
Mako Vunipola (bottom) is held down by Paul Hill during the judo session on Monday
There was grim news from Brighton as Wasps flanker Sam Jones left the England squad early after suffering an ankle injury in training. The extent of the damage should become clear following a scan today, but he is already out of the encounter with Saracens and his director of rugby, Dai Young, said: ‘It is looking like he has sustained quite a nasty injury.
‘It’s a big blow and I really feel for Sam, because he’s worked so hard to get noticed. We are just keeping our fingers crossed that it’s not too bad, but it’ s not looking great at the moment.’
With James Haskell still recovering from surgery, Eddie Jones and his assistants could pick Leicester’s Mike Williams at openside for a Test debut against the Boks, but another option would be to switch Maro Itoje from lock to No 7.
Wasps flanker Sam Jones was forced to leave England training after picking up an ankle injury
Borthwick described him as versatile and George Kruis – his second row partner for club and country – added: ‘He’s got the work-rate (to __play at openside) and he’s very physical. If it benefits the team to have him there, then that’s the right position.’
Meanwhile, Wales captain Sam Warburton faces a race to be fit for the start of his country’s autumn campaign — against Australia on November 5 — after having surgery on a broken cheekbone.
The 27-year-old had a small plate inserted in his face and the Blues expect him to be out of action for up to four weeks.
Wales captain Sam Warburton could miss the start of the autumn campaign after having surgery on a broken cheekbone
ENGLAND'S 45-MAN SQUAD
Forwards: Josh Beaumont (Sale Sharks), Jack Clifford (Harlequins), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs), Will Evans (Leicester Tigers), Charlie Ewels (Bath),Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers), Jamie George (Saracens), Dylan Hartley (Northampton Saints), James Haskell (Wasps), Paul Hill (Northampton Saints), Nathan Hughes (Wasps), Maro Itoje (Saracens), Sam Jones (Wasps), George Kruis (Saracens), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints) Joe Marler (Harlequins), Matt Mullan (Wasps), Chris Robshaw (Harlequins), Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins), Tommy Taylor (Wasps), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Mike Williams (Leicester Tigers)
Backs: Mike Brown (Harlequins), Danny Care (Harlequins), Elliot Daly (Wasps), Owen Farrell (Saracens), George Ford (Bath), Alex Goode (Saracens), Mike Haley (Sale Sharks), Jonathan Joseph (Bath), Alex Lozowski (Saracens), Joe Marchant (Harlequins), Jonny May (Gloucester Rugby), Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs), Dan Robson (Wasps), Semesa Rokoduguni (Bath), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Ben Spencer (Saracens), Ben Te'o (Worcester Warriors), Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), Anthony Watson (Bath), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
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