Rugby-England's Itoje suffers injury ahead of Italy match

England lock Maro Itoje suffered a setback in his bid to recover before Saturday's Six Nations match against Italy when he limped out of training with a suspected knee injury on Tuesday. Itoje, 24, has been recovering from a knee ligament problem and was recalled to coach Eddie Jones's squad on Monday after Courtney Lawes was ruled out of the tournament due to a calf strain.

British media reported Itoje was performing a forwards' drill when a side-step caused him to fall to the ground in pain and he hobbled out of the session. "Maro has had a minor tweak and the medical staff are taking a look at it," England attack coach Scott Wisemantel said.

"He's being managed day by day anyway, I don't think it's anything serious. We've just got to wait and see what the medics say. We'll see how he pulls up tomorrow." Itoje has not played since he was withdrawn during England's 32-20 win over holders Ireland in their opening game last month.

England are second in the Championship, two points behind Wales who beat Jones's side 21-13 in Cardiff last month. (Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond)