England's injury problems worsened on Tuesday when flanker Tom Rees was ruled out of the rest of the Six Nations while wing David Strettle was given only a slight chance of playing again in this year's tournament.
Rees suffered a knee ligament tear during Saturday's shock 26-19 defeat by Wales while Strettle is out of action for four to eight weeks after suffering a hairline fracture to a metatarsal in his left foot.
Ian McGeechan, director of rugby at Rees's club Wasps, said the flanker's injury, which forced him from the field during the Wales match, had undermined England's chances of winning their opening match in this year's tournament.
PHOTO: AFP
"This is very disappointing news, particularly bearing in mind way Tom was playing in Saturday's game and I think his departure had a significant impact on England's performance in the remainder of the game," he said. "Our medical and rehab team will working very hard in the coming weeks to get Tom back to full fitness as soon as possible."
Strettle was also forced off through injury on Saturday and a specialist has confirmed the hairline fracture. The state of his recovery will be assessed in three weeks, giving him a chance of playing in England's last two matches.
England were already resigned to being without center Mike Tindall (bruised liver) and flanker Lewis Moody (Achilles) for Sunday's must-win match in Italy.
Tindall is unlikely to play any further role in the tournament.
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