England expect Ashton back soon

ENGLAND hope to have Chris Ashton available for the final two rounds of their Guinness Six Nations title quest as the Sale wing battles a calf strain.

Ashton (pictured) suffered the injury in training during the squad’s three-day camp in London and will receive treatment at his club Sale this week, ruling him out of Saturday’s showdown with Wales in Cardiff.

It is hoped the Sharks wing will return in time to face Italy and Scotland, however.

“Chris got a little bit tight on Friday so he’s back at his club rehabbing,” assistant coach

John Mitchell said.

“Because of the extent of the injury, he’s not in consideration for Wales but we hope to see him back for Italy week.

“Chris was just standing in open field at the time, touching the calf. One of the staff noticed that, the medical team were on to it and we withdrew him.” Jack Nowell was among the heroes in the 32-20 victory over Ireland but was demoted to the bench against France, enabling Ashton to make his first Six Nations start for six years. Nowell is firm favourite to reclaim the number 14 jersey against Warren Gatland’s title challengers, but another option is Joe Cokanasiga who played his first game for over two months in Bath’s victory against Newcastle on Saturday after a knee injury.

He is in strong contention for a bench role at the Principality Stadium.

Mitchell said: “It was really important for Joe to get some rugby for Bath.”