Ahead of England’s upcoming Six Nations campaign, Ellis Genge has opened up about his miraculous recovery from a hamstring injury, comparing it to the healing powers of Marvel superhero Wolverine.
The loosehead prop is on course to be fit for England’s Championship opener against Italy in Rome on February 3.
News of his recovery will be a major boost for boss , who is set to name his squad for the on Wednesday.
sustained his injury while on duty with early in December and, although he will not be ready for Friday’s Champions Cup clash with Connacht, he could return to action against Bath in the Premiership on January 27 if England decides he needs the game time.
“I’m all good. They said the hammy has healed. They said miraculous, like Wolverine,” said Genge in reference to the X-Men character.
“They said there is still a little bit of scar tissue that is a little bit immature, so we’ll just tick away at that this week. But I should be fit.
“The rehab has been long, daunting. It’s tough watching everyone else playing.
“Obviously when your team is not performing well and you’re one of the bigger players you want to be involved, but unfortunately I’ve been sitting on the sidelines pulling my hair out.”
News of Genge’s recovery has been a shot in the arm for Borthwick, who is battling in the loosehead department following Mako Vunipola’s retirement from Test rugby and injuries to Joe Marler (arm) and Bevan Rodd, who will be sidelined for the entire Six Nations due to a broken toe.
Bath’s Beno Obano has been in good form at club level and is likely to be named in Borthwick’s 36-man squad which will be announced on Wednesday morning.
“Beno has been amazing,” said Genge, speaking at the Netflix Six Nations documentary premiere.
“It gives you fire, whether you like it or not. You’d be lying if you said it doesn’t push you to get back fit and prove to the world what you can do.”
Meanwhile, veteran hooker Jamie George is expected to be named as England’s skipper for the Championship after Owen Farrell ruled himself out in order to prioritise his mental wellbeing.
