Six Nations: Henry Thomas gets England squad call
Sale Sharks prop Henry Thomas has been called into the England squad as injury cover for Alex Corbisiero ahead of the start of the Six Nations next weekend.
The London Irish player was expected to miss at least the first two matches following knee surgery but could face a longer absence.
Thomas, 21, will train with the rest of the England squad at Pennyhill Park.
Harlequins' winger Ugo Monye has also been drafted into the training squad as cover for Freddie Burns.
The Gloucester man remains at his club for treatment on a knee problem.
London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith says Corbisiero's knee problem could rule him out for up to 10 weeks and he could miss the rest of his final season with the Exiles before his move to Northampton.
"Unfortunately for Corbs he had further surgery. The information our medical team have been given is that it is likely to be a 10-week injury," Smith told talkSPORT.
"I'd like to think he could get back on the park for us before the end of the season. There are still major question marks about that. He has a significant injury and he needs to be managed well."
Meanwhile, the Rugby Football Union say that Shaun Knight has withdrawn from the England Saxons squad with a knee injury.