Jamie George is ready to put a “bizarre” injury blow behind him – just in time for the Six Nations.
The Saracens hooker bruised both heel bones in 28-20 Champions Cup victory in Lyon on December 17, and is only just now hitting full sharpness.
George shook off an unrelated foot problem ahead of schedule to feature in England’s November campaign, and has now had to battle another injury concern.
“Against Lyon in the away game I picked up a bizarre injury, I got bone bruising in both my heels,” said George. “It was incredibly frustrating. It was not related to my previous foot injury but it was just very sore.
“So it’s taken me a few weeks to get over that, but I’m feeling really good physically now, and a lot more confident about what I can put out on the field.
“I struggled a bit this season in terms of my body really, coming back early from injury then picking up another niggle. But I’m getting back to where I want to be.
“I’m still not where I want to be but I’ve got to make sure that I’m right physically, and then when that happens, put my best foot forward.”
George was named in Steve Borthwick’s first England squad on Monday, and will be itching to prove his readiness to face Scotland in the Six Nations opener at Twickenham on Saturday, February 4.
The 32-year-old revealed new England boss Borthwick has already pinpointed where he wants to see him progress.
“Steve’s told me a few things I need to work on physically as well, so he’s saying to me it’s very important that I come into England camp in my best physical state,” said George.
“And that’s heels, body condition, all that kind of thing. “So that’s been my focus in the last few weeks.”
