Latest injury concern England's Six Nations campaign

INJURY REPORT: George Furbank could miss the start of England’s Six Nations campaign after fracturing his arm in Northampton’s victory over the Bulls on Saturday.

Furbank has been told that he might require an operation to repair the damage sustained half an hour into the 30-21 Champions Cup win in Pretoria.

The 28-year-old full-back started three of England’s four Tests last month, losing his place to Freddie Steward for the defeat by South Africa, and is now a doubt for the opening rounds of the Six Nations.

“George has fractured his arm. It can vary so there’s nothing concrete on how long that will take,” Northampton head coach Sam Vesty said.

“It is a big loss, he is a fantastic rugby player. He is our club captain and has really grown into that leadership role over the last couple of years.”

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Meanwhile, England flyhalf George Ford has undergone a scan on the knee injury that is stopping him from kicking at goal but Alex Sanderson, the Sale Sharks director of rugby, has moved quickly to dispel fears it will impact the player’s availability for the Six Nations championship.

Rob du Preez took over the kicking off the ground in Sale’s impressive 29-7 victory over Racing 92 in the Investec Champions Cup with Ford still able to use his kicking leg to deliver the spiral kicks and touch finders.

That will continue to be the case in Saturday’s Premiership home game against winless Exeter Chiefs while Ford waits for the verdict of a consultant who will examine the scan to determine the best treatment.

Sanderson said: “He went for a scan today and this was a precautionary scan so please don’t start writing George Ford knee drama. There is no drama and he is up for selection and willing to play but he is feeling his medial ligament and that affects kicking from the floor.

“It is only a certain range of kicking and style where he can feel it. He has gone for a scan to see what kind of pain medication will allow him to kick from the floor and not aggravate it.

“So, it is either a pill or an injection. This means he will need a couple of days off which he will get post the Bristol game.

“It is an awareness [of the injury] and we want him to be kicking everything and moving forward. Rob du Preez is kicking well.”

While Ford is unable to deliver his full range of skills, Sanderson has confirmed captain Ben Curry came through his man of the match performance in the win over Racing 92 without any problems despite limping at the end of the match.

Tom Curry is also set to be given the green light to play again after his stem cell treatment to help manage the hip injury that threatened to end his career before surgery. However, Tom will not be used until the Bristol game on December 27 at Ashton Gate.

Sources: PA Sports & Rugbypass