England forwards coach Steve Borthwick has revealed that skipper Dylan Hartley may sit out next weekend's Six Nations clash with France due to a leg muscle injury.

The 31-year-old was due to retain his captaincy in Paris on Saturday, despite being withdrawn 56 minutes into the 25-13 defeat away to Scotland last month.

Hartley has picked up a knock, however, and is now in a race against time to make the cut for Eddie Jones's squad, which is due to be announced on Thursday.

"I think we've got some great options," Borthwick told BBC Sport, adding that Hartley will be "monitored on a daily basis".

Borthwick also confirmed that Sam Underhill and Jack Nowell will definitely miss out against France, meanwhile, as they struggle with ankle and toe injuries respectively.

Nowell is also unlikely to retain fitness in time for the visit of Ireland to Twickenham on March 17.