Owen Farrell fitness boost for England ahead of Six Nations opener

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LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 23: England Coach Eddie Jones and Captain Owen Farrell pose with the trophy during the 6 Nations Launch event at The Hurlingham Club in west London on January 23, 2019.(Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)

has said that he expects to recover from a thumb injury in time to captain in their opening encounter with Ireland in Dublin on February 2.
had surgery on an injured tendon last Saturday, causing him to pull out of game against at the weekend. His club had warned that he would be out of action for seven to ten days putting his participation in the match against the reigning Grand Slam champions in doubt.
Speaking at the official Six Nations launch in London, Farrell said that he expects to be available against the Irish.
‘I’m confident, yes.’ said Farrell. ‘The hand is good. I had something small done to it on the weekend. I should be training towards the end of this week. It was a gradual thing and is something small.’
England coach has opted not to call up any extra cover to the squad as they prepare to fly out to a training camp in Portugal.
Should the Saracens man fail to recover, Jones will probably start ‘s George Ford at no.10 with ‘s Henry Slade another option.
‘I’m confident Owen is going to play and we’ve got George there as well so we’re well stocked for 10s,” said Jones.
Farrell’s opposite number, Ireland’s Johnny Sexton is also confident of recovering in time for the February 2 match. This sets up a mouthwatering head to head between two of the world’s leading outside halves.
LARRY PORTER

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