England's Maro Itoje to miss Six Nations games against France and Wales
Maro Itoje suffered a knee injury during the game against Ireland
©PA
England lock Maro Itoje will miss the upcoming Six Nations encounters against France and Wales following a knee injury.
The 24-year-old played 53 minutes during the tournament opening game against Ireland at Aviva Stadium last weekend before limping off the field.
The Saracens star underwent scans that revealed a damage to ligament and is expected to be out of action for between two to four weeks.
Itoje's absence means Courtney Lawes, who was on the bench during England's 20-32 game against Ireland is likely to be drafted into the XV while Wasps' Joe Launchbury might be drafted in the matchday squad.
Saracens' Nick Isiekwe has been added as the replacement for Itoje in the 35-man squad announced by England coach Eddie Jones.
England's 35-man squad for Test against France:
Forwards: Jack Clifford (Harlequins), Dan Cole (Leicester Tigers), Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs), Tom Curry (Sale Sharks), Ben Earl (Saracens), Ellis Genge (Leicester Tigers), Jamie George (Saracens), Nathan Hughes (Wasps), Nick Isiekwe (Saracens), George Kruis (Saracens), Joe Launchbury (Wasps), Courtney Lawes (Northampton Saints), Ben Moon (Exeter Chiefs), Brad Shields (Wasps), Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins), Jack Singleton (Worcester Warriors), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Mako Vunipola (Saracens), Harry Williams (Exeter Chiefs), Mark Wilson (Newcastle Falcons)
Backs: Chris Ashton (Sale Sharks), Mike Brown (Harlequins), Joe Cokanasiga (Bath), Elliot Daly (Wasps), Ollie Devoto (Exeter Chiefs), Owen Farrell (Saracens), George Ford (Leicester Tigers), Jonny May (Leicester Tigers), Jack Nowell (Exeter Chiefs), Dan Robson (Wasps), Henry Slade (Exeter Chiefs), Ben Te’o (Worcester Warriors), Ollie Thorley (Gloucester), Manu Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), Ben Youngs (Leicester Tigers)
