Scotland hit by huge double injury blow ahead of final Six Nations fixture

Stuart Hogg and Finn Russell have withdrawn from Scotland’s squad to face Italy

Stuart Hogg picked up an ankle injury against Ireland (Andrew Milligan/PA) (PA Wire)

Scotland duo Stuart Hogg and Finn Russell have withdrawn from the squad ahead of Saturday’s final Guinness Six Nations match against Italy.

The influential pair went off in the closing stages of Sunday’s defeat by Ireland with ankle and knee injuries respectively and are returning to their clubs for treatment.

Edinburgh fly-half Charlie Savala has been called in to the squad, while Josh Bayliss has returned to the group after being released to play for Bath at the weekend.

It remains to be seen if Richie Gray will be fit for this weekend’s match at BT Murrayfield. The 33-year-old lock was forced off after just six minutes on Sunday with suspected rib damage. He has remained with the squad for the time being, raising hopes that he might be available to face Italy.

A statement on Monday from Scottish Rugby read: “Stuart Hogg sustained an ankle injury and will be unavailable for this weekend’s match against Italy. He will return to his club in due course for further management of this injury.

“Finn Russell suffered an injury to one of his knee ligaments. He will return to Racing 92 to continue his rehabilitation.

“Richie Gray sustained an injury during the Ireland match and will remain with the squad to be continued to be assessed by medics.”