England have doubts over Shields, Farrell and Launchbury ahead of Ireland showdown
ENGLAND’S injury concerns mounted ahead of their Six Nations opener against Ireland with Joe Launchbury and Brad Shields now doubtful for the February 2 showdown in Dublin. Flanker Shields did not start Wasps’ Champions Cup clash with Leinster yesterday due to a side strain. And Launchbury lasted just nine minutes of the 37-19 defeat in front of watching England head coach Eddie Jones at the Ricoh Arena. Saracens, meanwhile, said on Saturday that their fly-half and England captain Owen Farrell (right) had undergone thumb surgery. Farrell has had a procedure to repair ligament damage and is expected to return to action in seven to 10 days, meaning he would be available to face Ireland in Dublin on February 2. Reflecting on Launchbury’s early exit, Dai Young said: ‘Basically, he got his head in the wrong position in a tackle and his head hit one of the Leinster player’s hips. ‘He went off for an HIA (head injury assessment), passed the HIA, but his neck really stiffened up.’ And on Shields, Young added: ‘Yesterday after the team run he took a knock to his hip and the muscle went into spasm. ‘He is going to be sore for 24 or 48 hours, but we don’t see them being a concern for England moving forward.’ Jones, meanwhile, must decide whether to call up cover for Farrell. With England departing for their training camp in Portugal on Wednesday, his ability to take part in training could be severely restricted. Speaking after Saracens’ Champions Cup victory over Glasgow on Saturday, Saracens rugby director Mark McCall said: ‘Owen has been complaining about his hand being a bit sore. ‘As far as I know, he’ll be back in seven days, so he should be able to play a full part in the Six Nations.’