Scotland head coach Andy Robinson will be without both centre Joe Ansbro and prop Alasdair Dickinson for the opening match of this year’s Six Nations against England.
Ansbro, who was ruled out of London Irish’s Heineken Cup defeat to Edinburgh ten days ago, has failed to recover from a back complaint, while Dickinson is still carrying a shoulder problem.
Having accrued 24 caps so far, 28 year-old Dickinson is one of the more experienced members of a young Scotland squad.
However, speaking yesterday, team physiotherapist Paul McGinley explained that time had run out for the Sale Sharks man.
"Alasdair was unable to train with the squad today as he is still recovering from the shoulder injury.
"We are returning him to continue his recovery with his club and we will reassess his situation after the England game."
Ansbro has also returned to his club but, as McGinley explained, could still return to the national squad next week after a re-assessment.
"Joe came into our camp in St Andrews last week affected by a back injury which will need a longer period of rehabilitation," said McGinley.
"This will be undertaken at his club and he will be reassessed following the England game."
