The Sport Matrix: Tuesday 3 February 2015

Cole set to return after Wilson injury

Another day, another injury for England, as preparations for Friday’s Six Nations opener in Wales continue to be disrupted. Bath prop David Wilson has been ruled out of the Cardiff showdown with a neck complaint, with Dan Cole a likely replacement. “Dan is a proven international operator,” forwards coach Graham Rowntree enthused. “To have him around is great for me.”

Fulham seeking a premier scalp

Fulham and Sunderland resume FA Cup hostilities at Craven Cottage tonight, vying to secure a fifth-round visit to League One Bradford City. The sides shared a goalless draw at the Stadium of Light 10 days ago. In the night’s other replay, Cup specialists Sheffield United host Preston North End, with a potential home match with 11-time winners Manchester United a lucrative incentive for the victors.

Wales look North with early team list

Wales put down the first marker ahead of Friday’s Six Nations opener with England as they announced their side two days early, with George North returning on the wing. “He continues to score tries and for his club, too,” manager Warren Gatland said. “We’re looking for the X Factor from him, for George to get a lot of touches.” The only other change is Richard Hibbard returning as hooker.

Johnson-Thompson to defend title

Katarina Johnson-Thompson has confirmed she will defend her high jump title at the British Indoor Championships as she continues her return from injury. The event, in Sheffield on 14 February, will be her second since she suffered a foot injury which forced her to miss last year’s Commonwealth Games and European Championships.

She cleared a British record 1.96m at last year’s meeting.

Johnson-Thompson will use the Sheffield event, and the Indoor Grand Prix in Birmingham on 21 February, as preparation for her participation in the pentathlon at the European Indoor Championships in Prague, which start on 6 March.

McIlroy switches attention off course

Fresh from victory in Dubai, Rory McIlroy will switch his focus from the course to a Dublin courtroom today for the start of his case against his former management company. McIlroy initiated the case against Horizon Sports Management in 2013, claiming he was misled into signing a contract.