Eastmond injury blow for England

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Kyle Eastmond could miss the rest of the season and is a doubtful starter for England in the Four Nations this autumn after suffering another ankle injury. The scrum-half damaged ligaments during St Helens' defeat at Leeds on Saturday as he made his comeback after four weeks out.

Eastmond had a scan last night, but the Saints coach Mick Potter said: "If you look at the video, it is surprising that he did not break his ankle. It could be a season at worst, or four to five weeks at best."

It is certainly touch and go for Eastmond for the Challenge Cup semi-final against Leeds next month and if he misses the internationals in Australia and New Zealand in October, it will be another major blow for England. The coach, Steve McNamara, will also be deprived of the Warrington centre Chris Bridge due to injury.