England's Itoje misses out on Wales clash with injury

England's Itoje misses out on Wales clash with injury
FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Six Nations Championship - England Training - Latymer Upper School, London, Britain - February 14, 2019 England's Maro Itoje during training Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley Copyright JOHN SIBLEY(Reuters)
By Reuters
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(Reuters) - England lock Maro Itoje has been left out of the squad for Saturday's crunch Six Nations match away to Wales after failing to recover in time from a knee injury.

Itoje sustained medial ligament damage during England's thumping 32-20 win over holders Ireland in their opening game although there was hope he would return in time for the top-of-the-table clash at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

"England head coach Eddie Jones has retained 25 players to continue their preparation ahead of Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations match against Wales in Cardiff," said a statement from the England team on Tuesday.

"Maro Itoje (Saracens) will remain at PennyHill Park (England's training base) this week to continue with his rehabilitation."

Chris Ashton had already been ruled out of the game with a calf strain, while prop Mako Vunipola will miss the remainder of the competition with an ankle problem.

England lead the Six Nations standings on 10 points after two games, leading Wales, who also won their opening games, due to bonus points from their victories over Ireland and France.

Squad

ForwardsLuke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter), Tom Curry (Sale), Ellis Genge (Leicester), Jamie George (Saracens), Nathan Hughes (Wasps), George Kruis (Saracens), Joe Launchbury (Wasps)Courtney Lawes (Northampton), Ben Moon (Exeter)Brad Shields (Wasps), Kyle Sinckler (Harlequins), Billy Vunipola (Saracens), Harry Williams (Exeter), Mark Wilson (Newcastle)

Backs

Joe Cokanasiga (Bath), Elliot Daly (Wasps), Owen Farrell (Saracens) captain, George Ford (Leicester), Jonny May (Leicester), Jack Nowell (Exeter), Dan Robson (Wasps), Henry Slade (Exeter), Ben Te’o (Worcester), Manu Tuilagi (Leicester), Ben Youngs (Leicester)

(Reporting by Richard Martin; Editing by Ken Ferris)

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