RYAN CAN BOUNCE BACK Haskell is losing his foot race

JAMES HASKELL’S hopes of making an England return against France in their opening Six Nations game have receded after a recurrence of the foot injury that sidelined him for six months. Haskell was unable to join the squad here in Portugal yesterday, leaving him almost certainly out of contention for Twickenham on February 4. Haskell, 31, whose abortive Wasps comeback lasted only 35 seconds when he was knocked out earlier this month against Leicester, played 57 minutes against Zebre on Sunday, only for the injury to flare up.

Haskell confirmed “a bit of discomfort in the foot” yesterday. It means England are set to launch their title defence without their entire back row from last season’s Grand Slam, with Billy Vunipola and Chris Robshaw sidelined.

Harlequins flanker Jack Clifford was also unable to join the squad because of a chest injury sustained against Stade Francais.

“Both players sustained injuries in their club games on Sunday and were due to arrive in Vilamoura today 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,” said an RFU spokesman.

England look set to meet France with two players yet to start a Six Nations game in the back row – Nathan Hughes and Maro Itoje – alongside the experienced Tom Wood.