JAMES HASKELL has dealt England a huge Six Nations blow and looks to be out for the opener against France a week on Saturday.
The Wasps flanker hasn’t travelled to the squad’s training camp in Portugal after aggravating a foot problem – back-row Jack Clifford has also missed out.
Worryingly Haskell hasn’t pulled on a Red Rose shirt since injuring himself in the epic Second Test against Australia in June.
Keep up to date with ALL the SIX NATIONS news, gossip, plus fixtures, results and live match commentary
And his seven months from hell isn’t over after limping off against Zebre on Sunday in Wasps Champions Cup clash.
He said: “I’ve obviously got a bit of discomfort in the foot, but you are always going to have that.”
England said: “Haskell and Clifford were due to arrive in Vilamoura on Monday, but will instead stay in the UK to undergo further medical assessments after which a decision will be made on when they join-up with England.”
Speaking before boss Eddie Jones confirmed the latest blow the 31-year-old said: "It's been the hardest six months of my professional career.
"There was a time when I thought I was never going to make it back. There were a lot of sessions where I would take three steps forward and two steps back, but we got there in the end."
Leave a comment