Sunday, May 31, 2009

Strettle out of Argentina Tests

Harlequins' David Strettle
Strettle missed the 2007 World Cup with a metatarsal injury

David Strettle has been ruled out of England's Tests against Argentina because of an abdominal illness.

The Harlequins winger is understood to be suffering with colitis, an inflammation in the intestine.

Bath's Matt Banahan, who featured in England's 33-26 defeat by the Barbarians, has been promoted from the Saxons squad as Strettle's replacement.

England play the Pumas on 6 June in Manchester before travelling to Salta a week later for the second Test.

The illness is yet another setback in Strettle's injury-laden England career.

The 25-year-old has suffered three separate broken metatarsal bones in his foot, one of which kept him out of the 2007 World Cup squad.

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He also missed two Tests against South Africa before the tournament after picking up a gastric virus.

England have further fitness concerns over Newcastle centre Jamie Noon, who sustained a hamstring injury against the Baa-Baas at Twickenham.

But there was better news for England manager Martin Johnson as Sale duo Mark Cueto and Mathew Tait look set to be fit in time for the first Test at Old Trafford.

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