North in race to be fit for Wales’ Six Nations opener after knee scare

WALES have suffered a fresh concern ahead of the Six Nations after Northampton wing George North injured the same left knee which kept him out for 11 weeks. North, who returned to action last Saturday against Harlequins only to be forced off, faces a race to be fit for Wales’s opener against Scotland on February 3. Wales head coach Warren

Gatland is already without injured Sam Warburton and Jonathan Davies for all of the campaign. No 8 Taulupe Faletau is unlikely to be fit before March, while flanker Dan Lydiate and wing Hallam Amos suffered injuries in weekend matches. Northampton’s technical

coaching consultant Alan Gaffney said: ‘While it is disappointing that George will be missing, this injury means an opportunity for another player in the squad to step up to the plate. I’m sure George will be diligent in his rehab, and we all wish him a swift recovery.’ Bath, meanwhile, are expecting England flanker Sam Underhill to return next week after two months out with concussion. The 21-year-old has been suffering from a headache since being forced off during England’s Test against Australia. Eddie Jones left the openside out of this week’s camp in Brighton but he is now hoping to return against the Scarlets in the Champions Cup. ‘Sam did contact and came through so he’s looking encouraging for next week but we’ll have to wait and see,’ said Bath boss Todd Blackadder. ‘I think we are asking a bit much of him to be talking about England. One of the goals we talked about on his return is just to complete 80 minutes symptom free. That would be a massive tick in his box.’ Centre Jonathan Joseph also missed the camp with a dead leg but is set to return against Worcester tomorrow in the Premiership.