Testing time for Johnson as injuries begin to mount

Oct 26 2009 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

ENGLAND manager Martin Johnson faces a full-blown injury crisis for the autumn Tests against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand.

Leicester prop Julian White became the latest casualty when he tore his hamstring just five minutes into Tigers’ 18-12 Guinness Premiership defeat to London Irish.

Harlequins number eight Nick Easterleft Sixways on crutches after suffering a calf muscle injury during Quins’ 26-22 victory over Worcester.

White joins fellow front-row forwards Andrew Sheridan (shoulder), Lee Mears (knee) and Phil Vickery (neck) in missing the entire autumn series that starts against the Wallabies on November 7.

Johnson is due to name a revised squad tomorrow, and it could be a long selection meeting with his England coaching team.

The likes of full-back Delon Armitage and centre Riki Flutey had already disappeared off Johnson’s radar until the RBS 6 Nations Championship later this season.

He will also require updates on players such as Leicester scrum-half Harry Ellis and Wasps’ lock Simon Shaw, with neither Lion likely to be available for the Australia clash.

White, 36, would undoubtedly have started against the Wallabies but he is now set for a spell on the sidelines.

“Julian has torn his right hamstring and will not be available for international duty,” Leicester head coach Richard Cockerill confirmed.

“Harry Ellis is having rehab on his knee, and we expect him back between seven and 14 days. But I doubt very much if he will be involved with England’s early autumn games either.”

Easter’s prospects hardly appear encouraging following his first-half exit at Worcester.

“It looks like he has a calf muscle injury,” said Quins head coach John Kingston.

“He is on crutches, and it is impossible to say how many weeks he will be off. But there is obviously a question mark as to whether he will be available for the autumn internationals.