Big flyhalf problems for Scotland

INJURY UPDATE: Scotland star Finn Russell is set to be sidelined during the Six Nations match against Italy.

The flyhalf Finn Russell picked up a head knock, which looks likely to rule him out of Saturday’s visit to Italy.

However, Russell has been included in the 35-man squad.

Scott Cummings has dropped out of the Scotland squad after picking up an injury in Sunday’s Six Nations game against Ireland but Zander Fagerson is back after a four-week ban.

Lock Cummings and 21-year-old back Rufus McLean are the only two players to drop out of Gregor Townsend’s squad following the 24-27 defeat in Edinburgh, which ended Scotland’s Six Nations title hopes.

Cummings suffered a suspected hand fracture while fellow lock Jonny Gray sustained a shoulder injury.

Gray has been included in the 35-man squad.

Uncapped back-row forward Ally Miller and his Edinburgh teammate, back Damien Hoyland, have been drafted in.

Fagerson is back in the camp after being banned following a red card in the narrow defeat against Wales last month.

Speaking on the injury situation after Sunday’s narrow defeat, Townsend said: “Finn was removed from play with a concussion, so it’s unlikely he will feature in six days’ time.”

Scotland are above only perennial strugglers Italy in the Six Nations table but have a game in hand over most of the sides above them.

🎥 Highlights of our narrow defeat to Ireland at @BTMurrayfield yesterday. pic.twitter.com/4Nxwek99q0

— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) March 15, 2021