England: ‘Frustrated’ half-back likely to miss November Tests, with no ‘definitive timeline’ on injury return
England scrum-half Alex Mitchell scoring against Italy.
Northampton Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson has detailed there is no current timeline on the return of star scrum-half Alex Mitchell, with the number nine increasingly likely to miss the upcoming Autumn Nations Series.
Mitchell, who was the likely starter for England this November, has missed the opening four matches of the Premiership season with a neck injury, but it seems he will still be out for some time.
Alex Mitchell likely to miss Autumn Nations Series
Speaking to the media ahead of his side’s clash with Sale Sharks on Friday night, Downson explained that the club are taking a more conservative approach with any potential return, but also shared his frustration at the situation.
“He (Mitchell) had an injection, and we are waiting to see how effective that’s been, he said. “So as frustrating as it is, there isn’t a definitive timeline.”
Dowson added: “So basically, a conservative approach is the best approach. Unfortunately, that is one without a timeline.”
The director of rugby also explained his star half-back is improving, but not at the speed he, or Mitchell, would like.
“He is improving, but he is improving very slowly, and it is how we can accelerate that process without risking anything long-term,” he added.
“I want to make sure that he’s not stressed about it, which he doesn’t seem to be,” Dowson continued. “He is a bit frustrated, but we want to make sure we do the right thing by him.”
England keeping up-to-date on Mitchell’s fitness
Mitchell’s injury means it is unlikely he will feature for England during the upcoming Tests against New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Japan, however, Dowson said that he believes Borthwick and the rest of the coaching group would be keen to monitor him.
“The fact he hasn’t played for quite a period of time, and the recovery is very slow, I can’t see that turning around in the short term. But, at the same time they might want to monitor him,” Dowson continued.
“They might want to keep him close to the group, they might want to have him ready in there as Joe El-Abd (newly appointed defence coach) comes in and to make sure he (Mitchell) is up to speed.
“There are loads of reasons why I would see him in there, and I could also see why they would potentially give him time to stay at home, but that’s a decision for Steve.”
Mitchell made his Test debut for England back in 2021 and has since gone on to win 18 caps for his country. He was initially omitted from the World Cup squad, but following an injury to Jack van Poortvliet, he was called up for the tournament in France and quickly established himself as England’s starting scrum-half.
Mitchell also started all three of England’s Tests this summer against Japan and New Zealand and was largely expected to feature in the starting XV this November.
Whilst he is still on the physio table, Dowson detailed the England medical staff have been keeping up-to-date on Mitchell’s treatment.
“The medics have been in constant communication, and they have got the note-taking system so they can see what treatment he’s had and what the specialist has said.”
He added: “They are aware of all the information, and like us, are waiting to see the best route moving forward.”
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