Under the knife.

England could be without their captain and talisman for next month’s Six Nations opener with Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Owen Farrell was a late withdrawal from Saracens’ squad for the Champions Cup pool match with Glasgow Warriors, and it looks like he’s set to go under the knife.

Saracen’s boss Mark McCall says Farrell will have to undergo minor operation on his thumb with the recover period expected to take up to 10 days. That means Farrell will be cutting it very tight for the Ireland game which takes place in two weeks.

With co-captain Dylan Hartley already out, Jones will be hoping Farrell will be back in time. If all else fails – George Ford will likely start at 10 in his place.