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Page last updated at 15:46 GMT, Monday, 21 September 2009 16:46 UK

Borthwick 'will be fit for Tests'

Steve Borthwick
Borthwick played on against Harlequins despite his rib injury

England captain Steve Borthwick will be fit to play in the November Test series after a scan revealed the forward has a sprained rib cartilage.

The Saracens lock had the scan after picking up the injury in Saturday's bruising 22-9 win over Harlequins.

"Saracens and England supporters can relax," said Saracens director of rugby Brendan Venter.

"It's not a serious problem and it certainly won't stop Steve from being available for the internationals."

England play their first autumn Test against Australia on 7 November, with matches against Argentina and New Zealand to follow on consecutive Saturdays.

606: DEBATE

England also have injury concerns over Quins players Jordan Turner-Hall, who required a shoulder X-ray, and David Strettle, who has a foot problem.

England are already without injured centre Riki Flutey and full-back Delon Armitage for the autumn Tests.

Turner-Hall, who was undergoing a scan on Monday, is one of the candidates to replace Flutey at inside centre.

Borthwick, 29, has been the England captain since the 2008 Six Nations, retaining the job in manager Martin Johnson's first season in charge.

However Borthwick's injury means he is a doubt for Saracens' next game against Gloucester on 27 September.

"We'll have to wait and see if he's available for Sunday's game against Gloucester," said Venter.



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see also
Harlequins 9-22 Saracens
19 Sep 09 |  Rugby Union
Saracens hand Borthwick captaincy
15 Jul 09 |  Saracens
Borthwick to stay England captain
27 Oct 08 |  English
Borthwick set for Saracens switch
16 Jan 08 |  Bath
Borthwick set for England debut
03 Apr 01 |  Six Nations
Strettle targets England comeback
11 Oct 08 |  Harlequins


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FROM OTHER SPORT SITES
The Scotsman England XV on way back to Australia next year - 6 hrs ago
AllBlacks.com Borthwick boost for England - 8 hrs ago
Telegraph Steve Borthwick cleared for autumn Tests - 9 hrs ago
The Independent Borthwick expected to be fit for Wallabies Test - 10 hrs ago
7 Days Rocked by Borthwick blow - 31 hrs ago


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