Maro Itoje In Doubt For England Six Nations Opener

Saracens and England forward Maro Itoje is in doubt for England's Six Nations opener against Italy after suffering a fractured jaw against Harlequins.

Itoje was taken to hospital after the game for scans following his early departure from the Premiership fixture with blood pouring from his mouth.

Fellow England international Anthony Watson spent almost three months on the sidelines with a broken jaw at the end of 2016.

It is understood that he has undergone an operation to correct the issue and he is set to see a second specialist on Thursday to determine the length of recovery.

Saracens host Clermont in the Champions Cup this weekend while England begin their Six Nations preparation with trip to Portugal in mid-January for a warm-weather training camp.

"Scans have confirmed that Saracens forward Maro Itoje fractured his jaw in Sunday's round 10 Aviva Premiership clash against Harlequins," the Saracens statement read.

"The 23-year old England forward left the field in the 48th minute of Saracens' 20-19 defeat at the Twickenham Stoop and was taken to hospital where scans confirmed the fracture.

"Itoje will now see a second specialist later this week to confirm his return to play schedule."