Ellis Genge faces race against time to be fit for the start of England’s Six Nations campaign… and his hamstring injury could delay Steve Borthwick’s captaincy decision
- Ellis Genge is currently recovering from a hamstring injury
- The prop has not played since Bristol's victory over Gloucester on December 2
- England start their Six Nations campaign in Rome on February 3
Ellis Genge faces a race against time to be fit for the start of the Six Nations – a predicament that could impact Steve Borthwick's decision on England captaincy.
The prop hasn't played since the Bears' 51-26 home win over Gloucester on Dec. 2.
Days later, Bristol confirmed that Genge had suffered a hamstring injury in training and their initial forecast was that he would be fully fit in time for the Six Nations.
However, Mail Sport understands that Genge has used a hyperbaric chamber – which involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment – in a bid to speed up his recovery and is not expected to make a club comeback before joining the England squad.
Ellis Genge has not played since suffering a hamstring injury on December 2
His absence could be a major blow to Steve Borthwick, who is believed to be eyeing the Bristol star as one of the candidates to be England's next captain.
At this stage, Bristol are optimistic he could be fit for the Championship opener against Italy in Rome on February 3, but his prospects are believed to be in the balance.
Last Friday evening, Genge sat next to Borthwick during his team's Premiership meeting with Exeter – and footage of the pair deep in conversation sparked speculation that the England head coach may be preparing to appoint the loosehead as his new Test to be appointed captain.
Any doubts over Genge's availability for the match against Italy could see Borthwick switch to Saracens hooker Jamie George as the logical alternative as skipper.