England flanker Haskell set for "intensive rehab" on ankle
Wasps' James Haskell is likely to miss the match at Murrayfield
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Wednesday, 27, Feb 2008 10:15
Flanker James Haskell will undergo intensive rehabilitation in a bid to be fit for England's Six Nations showdown with Scotland next weekend.
The 22-year-old back row suffered an injury to the posterior capsule on his left ankle during the 24-13 victory over France in Paris last weekend, which forced him to be replaced midway through the first half.
Haskell's club Wasps confirmed the injury following an MRI scan today, and confirmed he would miss this Friday's Guinness Premiership clash with Newcastle Falcons.
However, he has not yet been ruled out of contention for the clash at Murrayfield on March 8th.
"He has begun a programme of intensive rehab with the aim of being fit and available for selection before England's Six Nations match against Scotland," a statement from Wasps said.
England are already depleted at flanker, as Tom Rees and Lewis Moody were both injured in the opening match of the Six Nations against Wales at Twickenham and have subsequently been ruled out of the entire tournament.
This means Leicester's Tom Croft, the man who came on for Haskell at the Stade de France, would take the place of the Wasps forward in the starting XV if he fails to recover in time.
Scotland will be looking to repeat their heroics of two years ago when they stunned the 2003 World Cup winners by battling to an 18-12 victory in the last Six Nations match between the two old rivals in Edinburgh.
However, Frank Hadden's side face a rejuvenated England team who have now won back-to-back away matches against Italy and France following their opening-day defeat to an undefeated Welsh side in west London.
The home side next week could face a selection dilemma of their own at flanker as influential captain Jason White remains a doubt after missing Scotland's last two Six Nations matches with a severe concussion.