Owen Farrell will be available for the start of England's Six Nations against Scotland on 4 February after receiving a four-match ban for a dangerous tackle.
Farrell faced a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday night after his shoulder made contact with the head of Jack Clement in the 75th minute of Saracens’ Gallagher Premiership victory over Gloucester on Friday.
Although the four-match suspension would prevent him from running out at Twickenham in Steve Borthwick’s first match in charge, it will be reduced to three games if he completes World Rugby’s coaching intervention programme.
By doing so, the out-half will be able to resume playing after Saracens’ Premiership clash with Bristol on 28 January.
Steve Borthwick has been dealt blow however, withh Sale flanker Tom Curry set to miss their first two games of the Championship.
Curry, who has won 45 caps and skippered England for the first time in last season’s Six Nations opener against Scotland, was hurt during Sale’s Premiership victory over Harlequins on Sunday.
Borthwick is already without Exeter hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie for at least the start of the tournament after he suffered an ankle injury last weekend.
