Borthwick fitness concern for England

Steve Borthwick
12 April 2012

England have concerns over the fitness of captain Steve Borthwick ahead of Saturday's final RBS 6 Nations Championship game with France.

Borthwick left England's base at Pennyhill Park after a light training session on Tuesday morning to seek specialist treatment on a long-term knee injury.

England manager Martin Johnson names his team for the Paris showdown on Wednesday lunchtime and admitted he is not yet certain whether Borthwick will be fit.

"Steve has gone for treatment for a long-term wear and tear issue he has got with his knee. I don't know (whether he is a doubt) at the moment," said Johnson.

"He has to go and seek some advice. Hopefully it is just precautionary and he will be fine.

"Lots of guys carry things because they play a lot of rugby."

England also have concerns over Ugo Monye and Jonny Wilkinson, who were both replaced early in last weekend's 15-15 draw with Scotland after suffering heavy blows to the neck and head.

Wilkinson was ordered to sit in a darkened room after colliding with Borthwick's hip and he will need to pass a series of cognitive tests before being cleared to play in Paris.

Monye injured his neck in a clash with Scotland flanker Kelly Brown but the England medics report he is making "good progress" and the Harlequins winger is willing to play through the pain.

Elsewhere, the likes of fit-again lock Simon Shaw, full-back Ben Foden and centres Shontayne Hape and Mike Tindall all come into the selection equation.

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