Johnson sweating on Flutey’s fitness
CENTRE Riki Flutey added to England’s growing injury list after he limped off for Wasps with a calf problem during the first half of his side’s defeat against Northampton.
The 30-year-old had to be helped from the field in the 31st minute and is now a major doubt for England’s opening autumn international against New Zealand in less than two weeks’ time.
“Riki’s pretty sore at the moment,” said Wasps director of rugby Tony Hanks. “He’ll be assessed by England when he goes into camp with them. Hopefully he won’t be out for too long. These things can take a day or two before you learn how bad they are, but he was definitely pretty sore.”
Flutey was a near certainty to be selected at inside centre by manager Martin Johnson, who has a number of players carrying knocks ahead of the games against southern hemisphere opposition. Leicester’s Toby Flood (knee) is struggling for match fitness while Leeds flanker Hendre Fourie (knee) and Bath prop Davey Wilson (back) are also doubtful.
Captain Lewis Moody’s participation is also in doubt after he damaged his eye socket while playing for Bath against Sale Sharks this month.