England fly-half Marcus Smith has been ruled out of this weekend’s Six Nations opener against Italy with a calf injury after he limped off during a training session on Monday, assistant coach Kevin Sinfield said on Tuesday.
With fly-half Owen Farrell making himself unavailable for selection for his well-being, Northampton’s Fin Smith is in line to make international debut.
“[Marcus] won’t make this weekend, sadly,” Sinfield told reporters.
“We got the scan report through but we are waiting to understand exactly what that means for us moving forward. He’s not fit for this weekend.”
British media reported that the 24-year-old was seen leaving training on crutches and was to undergo a scan.
England are already without centres Ollie Lawrence and Oscar Beard, as well as hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie for the match in Rome on Saturday.
Coach Steve Borthwick could turn to George Ford at No.10 if he decides against giving a debut to the uncapped Fin Smith.
Borthwick is scheduled to announce his starting line-up on Thursday.