England will have no qualms about throwing Courtney Lawes straight into Six Nations action against Wales in Cardiff.
Vice-captain Lawes is expected to return to full training this week, and can then go straight into consideration for selection for the trip to Wales on Saturday week.
The 33-year-old back-five forward has not featured at Test level since last summer’s Australia tour, having missed the autumn series with head-injury problems.
Lawes has missed England’s first two Six Nations matches due to a gluteal issue, but is closing in on his return, in what would prove a significant boost to head coach Steve Borthwick’s resources.
And assistant coach Richard Cockerill insisted England will have no issues pitching the 96-cap Saints star straight into action next week.
“Courtney has done parts of training this week, he’ll take full part tomorrow and leading into next week he should be taking a full part in training,” said Cockerill.
“Hopefully he’ll be available for selection.”
Asked if England would worry about throwing him straight back into action despite his extended injury absence, Cockerill added: “Depending on how he trains, probably not.
“He’s an experienced player and he’s had long injuries previously and come back in and played well, for both club and country.
“So that doesn’t really concern us when it comes to a guy of his stature.”
Kyle Sinckler will be available for selection as expected, with the Bristol prop only sitting out training this week to allow cuts to his face to heal.
“He’s got a bit of a cut on the end of his nose, he’s a 29-year-old tighthead and those are the first stitches he’s had on his face, so he was probably due some!” said Cockerill.
“And it was from Ellis Genge’s boot, so it was friendly fire as well. He’s fine, he just avoiding opening them up against but he’s doing everything else.”
