ENGLAND ARE SWEATING on the fitness of centre Jonathan Joseph ahead of this weekend’s crucial Pool A game against Wales in Twickenham.
Joseph is suffering from a chest injury following Friday night’s opening win against Fiji, but should he miss out this weekend, England say he’ll certainly be back in time to face Australia on October 3.
Despite only cementing his position in the English midfield this year, Joseph has emerged as a crucial player in Stuart Lancaster’s side, scoring five tries in his last eight tests, one of which came against Saturday’s opponents Wales on his Six Nations debut earlier this year.
Joseph had a major part to play in Mike Brown’s first try on Friday night, with this stunning offload to create the score.
England’s backs coach Andy Farrell says that the management team will be making a call on the player’s fitness today.
Speaking at Tuesday’s press conference, Farrell said that thankfully the player is not at risk of missing more than one game.
“At the start of every test week we have bumps and bruises. JJ has a bit of a knock. It’s nothing too serious and our medical staff are working hard to get him fit and in and England shirt this weekend.
“It’s something and nothing. He has got a knock on his chest. If he is fit for this weekend, we will know by tomorrow. If he is not fit it will not be more than a week anyway probably,” he said.
Should Joseph fail to prove his fitness for Staurday night’s game, reports in England say that Exeter’s Henry Slade is the preferred choice to fill in, rather than Sam Burgess.
