Joe Marler has added to England’s injury worries ahead of the Six Nations, suffering an arm problem in Harlequins’ 32-26 Premiership win over Gloucester.
The 33-year-old Marler has been in vintage form for Quins, off the back of a stellar Rugby World Cup with the Red Rose outfit. But now the long-serving front-rower faces a nervous wait to discover the extent of an arm issue picked up in Quins’ Twickenham victory.
Marler trudged off before half-time, and had his arm strapped up when watching the second half from the bench.
Bristol’s Ellis Genge could already miss the start of the Six Nations with a hamstring injury, while Sale’s Bevan Rodd is out for the duration of the tournament after toe surgery.
Mako Vunipola missed the World Cup due to a back problem, but has since returned to action with Saracens. Bath’s Beno Obano has been in top form, and could come into the Test equation alongside Vunipola.
Marler will be sent for scans on his arm, with Quins hoping their star prop will not be out of action for long.
“There will be scans and we’ll wait and see,” said Quins head coach Danny Wilson.
“Fingers crossed they’re not too bad because they’re three big players for us.”
Locks Dino Lamb and Stephan Lewies also suffered nasty looking shoulder injuries in Quins’ five-try win over Gloucester.
Quins lit up a packed Twickenham for the club’s 15th Big Game fixture at the national stadium. The hosts hit back to winning ways in style, after two straight losses.
“It was brilliant to get over the line and get the job done, it was such a big occasion and that added pressure,” said Wilson.
“It was important we got the win especially with so many Quins fans in attendance. We had to have a few reshuffles after the injuries but all our leaders stood up and the boys followed.”
