Thursday 19 January 2017 10:10, UK
Joe Marler, the England prop who suffered a fractured leg just 11 days ago, could still make the starting XV against France on February 4.
The 26-year old's chances of competing in the opening round of England's Six Nations campaign looked bleak after he suffered a lower leg fracture in the warm-up against Sale on January 7.
Following an MRI scan, Harlequins reported the loosehead prop would be sidelined for around five weeks.
However, Sky Sports News HQ understands Marler has a 50/50 chance of being passed fit as England look to defend their crown at Twickenham in just 17 days' time.
England have already lost first-choice loosehead prop Mako Vunipola for the start of the tournament because of a knee injury.
In addition, former captain Chris Robshaw has been ruled out of the competition because he requires shoulder surgery, while No 8 Billy Vunipola is recuperating from a knee operation and will also be unavailable.
Matt Mullan of Wasps appeared to be in pole positon to start at loosehead against France with Bath's Nathan Catt and Leicester's Ellis Genge also in the frame but Eddie Jones would welcome the return of Marler, who has made 46 Test appearances for England since his debut in 2012.
