Ireland are likely to be without full-back Rob Kearney for the trip to Twickenham in two weeks' time after he picked up a knee injury in the defeat to France on Saturday.
Kearney limped off in the 33rd minute of the 33-10 RBS Six Nations loss in Paris and scans on Sunday revealed the Leinster player had suffered a medial ligament strain.
It means he is almost certain to miss the England match but better news for coach Declan Kidney is that Kearney's Leinster team-mate Brian O'Driscoll should be fit for Twickenham.
The influential centre suffered a blow to his left knee in Paris and will be closely monitored over the coming fortnight, while second row Leo Cullen is also expected to overcome a twisted ankle.
And there was good news for veteran prop John Hayes, whose head injury that forced him off against France is not as bad as first feared.
The Munster tighthead is therefore poised to become the first player to make a hundred appearances for Ireland if he takes to the field at Twickenham on February 27.
Indeed, Kidney's greatest concern could be the almost certain citing of Jerry Flannery for his first-half trip on Alexis Palisson, for which the player was fortunate only to be yellow-carded.
Any citing will be confirmed by Monday evening with a hearing likely to be held on Tuesday or Wednesday.
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