Mark McCall confident George Kruis will be available for England's Six Nations opener

Saracens rugby director Mark McCall assured that George Kruis will be fit in time to take the field for England's Six Nations opener against France on 4th February.

The back-row suffered a cheekbone fracture while playing for Saracens in the Aviva Premiership encounter against Newcastle Falcons on New Year's eve.

England coach Eddie Jones stated that Kruis' participation in the Twickenham clash against Guy Noves' men is unsure considering the nature of injury but McCall insisted that the injury is not a threatening one.

"George will definitely be available for England, and there's a slight chance he'll be available this weekend," said McCall of Kruis' fitness situation.

"He'll go and see a consultant this evening, and hopefully we'll find out then.

"He's not far away, so it's going to be that conversation and we'll be guided by the conversation.

"George is able to train now, it's not an injury that's preventing him from training, though obviously he's not doing contact until he's given the all-clear."

The news will be a big boost for England, who will miss the services of former skipper Chris Robshaw after he underwent a shoulder surgery while Billy Vunipola has been ruled out of the early rounds of the tournament due to knee injury.

James Haskell recently suffered a head injury while playing for his club while there are doubts over the participation of Joe Marler and Mako Vunipola as well.