Lee Dickson, the Northampton scrum-half, is expected to be sidelined for four weeks after fracturing a bone in his left hand during his Test debut as a replacement in England's 13-6 Calcutta Cup victory over Scotland on Saturday.
Toby Flood is in contention for a return to the England team for next weekend's Six Nations clash with Italy after being recalled to the training squad.
Flood made his comeback from a knee ligament injury on Saturday, playing 30 minutes off the bench in Leicester's 24-13 LV= Cup win over Newcastle.
The Tigers fly-half will have until Tuesday night, when England's 32-man squad is trimmed down, to convince interim head coach Stuart Lancaster of his match fitness.
England are monitoring the shoulder injury that forced Charlie Hodgson to leave the field against Scotland.
Manu Tuilagi (hamstring), Courtney Lawes (knee) and Tom Wood (toe) are all unavailable for the game in Rome's Olympic Stadium next Saturday.
Tuilagi is expected to resume training with Leicester this week and is on course to be available for England's first home game of the Six Nations, against Wales on February 25.
England are growing short of available scrum-halves, with Richard Wigglesworth injured and Danny Care suspended following his arrest for drink-driving.
Karl Dickson, Care's understudy at Harlequins, has started only five games for his club this season and made only one appearance since the middle of November.
The 29-year-old joins joins Ben Youngs, who started at Murrayfield, and Wasps' Joe Simpson as England's scrum-half options for the Italy game.
Gilbert has released a new line of rugby cleats. The Gilbert Virtuo 8S is part of the exciting new product. Check it out.
The entire All Blacks apparel line has been updated for 2013/14. Check out the New Zealand All Blacks polo.
The Nike Tiempo is a solid rugby cleat and one of few styles still made from full-grain natural leather.
The Gilbert Blitz 8S rugby cleat is a great cleat at a great price of $69.99. Get a new pair of cleats today.
A cool looking all black rugby cleat with the high performance adidas is known for. Get in the Gear!
Wear the crest of the British and Irish Lions on your t-shirt. A great look for the summer.
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The All Blacks Performance t-shirt is black with hints of blue from the training jersey. Very Cool.
The New Zealand All Blacks training jersey for 2013/14. Get in the Gear!
The USA Rugby Pro Alternate rugby jersey is perfect for any fan of the Eagles. Get yours to wear during the summer Test matches.
The NEW All Blacks 2013/14 jersey has arrived at World Rugby Shop. Dare to wear the colors of the All Blacks.
