Encouraging footage of Itoje training after injury

When Maro Itoje limped off the Aviva Stadium pitch in the first round of the Six Nations, many England fans feared that it was the end of his tournament.

However, despite suffering ligament damage in his knee, fears were allayed, as it was reported that he would probably return for England before the end of the Six Nations, potentially for the final round against Scotland at Twickenham.

Eddie Jones and England forwards coach Steve Borthwick recently gave more encouraging news when they said that there was a possibility that the Saracens forward could return for the Wales match.

Both Itoje and Dylan Hartley remained with the England camp this week as they recover from their knee injuries, and footage recently surfaced on Twitter of both of them doing remarkably well:

Maro Itoje and Dylan Hartley in the distance there with Neil Craig pic.twitter.com/8OXKMBDNVK

— Jonny Fordham (@JonnyBFordham) February 14, 2019

Of course this footage does not reveal too much about either player, but seeing as Itoje looked to be in excruciating pain when he came of the pitch against Ireland a little more than a week ago, he looks in far better shape.

It is unclear whether he is running yet, but given the nature of the injury, and how severe many thought it would be at first, this is a stunning return from the lock. Likewise, Hartley looks to be recovering well, although he did not injure himself as recently as Itoje.

The prospect of the 24-year-old returning for the Wales showdown will be a huge boost for England, who have had to deal with the major setback of Mako Vunipola’s injury this week.

Courtney Lawes deputised superbly for Itoje against France, and may well keep his place in the starting XV at the Principality Stadium, but the prospect of having another British and Irish Lion in Itoje coming off the bench will please Jones and could give them the edge in Cardiff.

Watch: Eddie Jones “We are playing the greatest Welsh side ever”