Will Stuart can put himself in contention for England’s Six Nations trip to Wales after returning to Steve Borthwick’s training squad.
The fit-again Bath tighthead was included in a 26-man training squad for England’s fallow week, ahead of the Six Nations clash in Cardiff on Saturday, February 25.
Stuart dislocated his elbow in England’s 27-13 defeat by South Africa that closed a chastening autumn for both country and player, and ultimately cost boss Eddie Jones his job.
The 26-year-old front-rower had only just returned from a long-term knee injury in November when a new problem struck. But his readiness to return to the Test squad boosts front-row resources for new head coach Borthwick.
Kyle Sinckler will stay with the squad this week but will not train, having suffered a facial injury in Sunday’s 31-14 win over Italy at Twickenham.
The Bristol prop suffered a suspected broken nose when catching a stray boot from Ellis Genge to the face in England’s five-try victory over the Azzurri.
Veteran Leicester prop Dan Cole has been drafted back into England’s ranks to bolster the Red Rose side’s scrummaging options.
The potent Stuart will shore up the set-piece resources, though Sinckler will be expected to be available to face Wales.
Vice-captain Courtney Lawes continues to move closer towards a return to the England ranks following a gluteal injury.
The Northampton back-five forward missed England’s entire autumn campaign with head-injury concerns, only to pick up a new problem on his return to club action. The 96-cap Saints star would offer England even further set-piece and tight-game ballast should he be fit in time for the Principality Stadium trip.
Full England training squad:
Forwards: O Chessum, D Cole, B Curry, A Dombrandt, B Earl, E Genge, J George, N Isiekwe, M Itoje, L Ludlam, W Stuart, M Vunipola, J Walker, J Willis.
Backs: H Arundell, O Farrell, O Hassell-Collins, M Malins, J Marchant, A Mitchell, H Slade, M Smith, F Steward, J Van Poortvliet, A Watson.
