More legwork needed on Elliot injury, admits boss
ELLIOT Daly’s fitness has emerged as a concern for England as they step up preparations for Sunday’s curtainraiser to the autumn against the Barbarians.
Daly has been ruled out of the noncap international at Twickenham because of a longstanding leg issue that requires closer examination, resulting in his omission from Eddie Jones’ 32-man training squad.
Also missing is Joe Marler, whose knee problem will take at least another two weeks to heal, meaning he will sit out the Barbarians clash and climax to the 2020 Six Nations against Italy six days later when England are playing for the title.
“Elliot has had a bump on his leg for a good period of time. It hasn’t really worried him and he’s been able to train,” Jones said.
“We’re not sure what’s wrong so we’re going to get some tests done and we’ll wait and see what the answer is.
“We’ll do all the various tests and he’ll see a consultant and then we’ll have a pretty good idea of where he’s at.
Jones has indicated he will select a strong side against the Barbarians, using it as a warm-up for the trip to Rome knowing a number of players, including his influential Saracens contingent, have not played since October 4.
Marler will be missing, however, as the Harlequins prop rehabilitates a condition called Morel-lavallee that requires fluid to be drained from the knee.
Jones names his team to face the Barbarians on Friday, adopting a different approach to the usual policy of picking a younger side for a fixture that was postponed from May because of the coronavirus.
“It’s a lot different this year. We’ve got a number of players who haven’t played for four or five weeks,” said the head coach.
“We’re conscious of the fact we’ve got the Six Nations game afterwards, so we’re looking at this as a two-week selection, getting players ready for Italy and also being right to play against the Barbarians.
“The training camps have been excellent. All the players and staff are conscious of their responsibility. It’s been a tough time for the country.
“A lot of people have lost their jobs and a lot of people have had losses to their family. We’re conscious of our responsibility to put a smile on people’s faces.’’