England centre Ollie Lawrence is unlikely to recover from a knee injury in time for Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations match against Italy in Rome. Lawrence has been omitted from England’s 36-man squad as preparations intensify for the upcoming game at the Stadio Olimpico.
The Bath player is continuing his rehabilitation at England’s training base after receiving an injection in his injured knee last week. This setback means he is expected to miss the penultimate Six Nations fixture, having already missed the first three rounds due to the same injury.
Lawrence made his return in last Saturday’s 42-21 defeat to Ireland but has since been ruled out again. To fill the void at outside centre, England may turn to Tommy Freeman, who is likely to shift from the wing, with Henry Slade also considered a strong option for the position.