Billy Vunipola praying for Six Nations miracle after fracturing his forearm in second game back after four months out
Boss Eddie Jones now has a dilemma at No8 with third choice Sam Simmonds in line for a call-up
BILLY VUNIPOLA is praying for a Six Nations miracle after fracturing his arm.
England's star no.8 will find out how long he will be out for when he visits a specialist this week to get the cracked bone in his forearm checked out.
But it doesn't look great for the world-class 25-year-old who missed the Lions tour with a shoulder injury and then most of this season for Saracens after ripping knee ligaments.
Cursed Vunipola was taking part in just his second game back after four months out when he crunched his arm trying to make a tackle in Saturday's 15-15 draw at Ospreys.
Yesterday he uploaded a pic on Instagram of him running out at the Liberty Stadium and said: "One of these days I might actually be able to play more than two games without breaking (no pun intended). I said it before and I’ll say again.
"God has a plan for me, it’s just hard having to be patient! #gratefulheart"
Confirming the worse, Saracens said: “Billy is due to see a specialist later this week, when a timeframe for recovery may be defined.
“But until that time Saracens will make no further comment. Saracens will issue a further statement once Billy has seen a specialist.”
HASK HELL England forward James Haskell’s comeback hanging by a thread after he saw red for late Jamie Roberts smash
During the game Sarries no.2 Alex Sanderson said the 34-capped bull-dozing back-rower didn't have any feeling in his wrist after suffering the injury after 40 minutes.
Last February prop Joe Marler revelled he had played a full game with an undiagnosed broken leg and then credited drinking two pints of milk a day to get him fit for the Six Nations in just four weeks.
And last year Vunipola played just once for England in their successful Six Nations defence as he had another four months out with his own knee issues.
That cameo in defeat to Ireland in Dublin was the only time he managed to make it onto the pitch for his country after a nightmare 2017 wrecked by injuries.
Boss Eddie Jones names his Six Nations squad on Thursday and is now down to just his third-choice no.8 - Sam Simmonds.
Wasps bruiser Nathan Hughes is out for at least the first three games against Italy, Wales and Scotland after picking up a knee injury.
Former England captain Chris Robshaw could fill in at the base of the scrum, but that would only be a short-term solution.
Rookie and apprentice player Zach Mercer is another in the reckoning and the Bath man, 20, could get his debut sooner than expected after the latest injury crisis.
But James Haskell, more a flanker than no.8, will now also miss a large chunk of Championship as he faces the prospect of a six-week ban after being sent off for smashing Jamie Roberts in the head with a late tackle at The Stoop on Saturday.
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Haskell will be cited on Monday and most likely have his hearing either tomorrow or Wednesday.
After apologising to Wales and Lions centre Roberts, the Harlequins man tweeted: "Thanks for the messages guys. Head's ok. Enjoyed that win with this resilient group of @Harlequins lads.
"Hope your shoulder is ok after colliding with this jaw @jameshaskell - Good man for apologising....just bend those arthritic knees next time pal ;)".