England hit by double injury blow before Wales opener

England have suffered two significant injury setbacks ahead of their Six Nations opener against Wales, putting pressure on head coach Steve Borthwick’s early tournament plans.

Opoku-Fordjour ruled out of Six Nations

Tighthead prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour has been ruled out of the entire Six Nations after suffering a serious shoulder injury that requires surgery.

The 21-year-old Sale Sharks forward picked up the problem in training while working his way back from an earlier setback and will undergo an operation later this week in Cardiff.

The procedure is expected to sideline him for several months, ruling him out of England contention until after the championship.

Fin Smith facing fitness race

England are also monitoring the fitness of fly-half Fin Smith, who is a doubt for the Wales clash after suffering a calf strain.

The 23-year-old Northampton Saints playmaker is awaiting scan results to determine the severity of the injury.

While the issue is not thought to be long-term, Smith is expected to miss at least the next two weeks, leaving his availability for the opening round uncertain. His absence would reduce England’s options at fly-half at a key stage of preparation.

England's Six Nations campaign will get underway on 7th February in Twickenham.