Vickery: Calf injury

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Captain Phil Vickery has handed England another injury scare ahead of their RBS Six Nations clash with Italy on Sunday.

Vickery could join England's already sizeable casualty list after injuring his right calf during training in Bath on Thursday morning.

England say it is too early at this stage to make an announcement on Vickery's fitness for the match.

Uncapped Bristol prop Jason Hobson has been drafted into the squad and will travel to Rome on Friday, alongside Vickery.

Hopeful

Nevertheless, the tighthead prop sounded hopeful when discussing his injury, Vickery telling Sky Sports News that his emotions were "pretty level".

"It's just a bit of a knock, that's all," he said. "I got trampled on, or kicked, on my calf but it was accidental.

"It's a little bit sore and it's going to be assessed this afternoon and certainly tomorrow.

"But I've not lost hope by any means."

As to his chances of playing, Vickery added: "I will know a bit more later. I don't want to sit here saying I've got a 50-50 chance because I haven't got a clue."

If he is forced to withdraw, then Bath's Matt Stevens would undoubtedly be promoted off the bench with Hobson joining the replacements.

After losing their Six Nations opener to Wales, England's build-up for the Stadio Flaminio encounter has already been scarred by losing five players.

Centre Mike Tindall, prop Andrew Sheridan, wing David Strettle, plus flankers Lewis Moody and Tom Rees have already been ruled out.

Blow

The loss of both Vickery and loosehead Sheridan would be seen as a particular blow against Italy's notably formidable pack.

Assuming Vickery does not make the match, then fly-half Jonny Wilkinson, who came under fire for his performance during the 26-19 loss against Wales, would probably be favourite to replace him as captain.

However, another strong candidate would be Bath lock Steve Borthwick.