The 24-year-old Haskell has 22 caps for England

England have received a fitness boost ahead of next weekend's Six Nations opener against Wales with the news that James Haskell could be available.

The flanker injured his knee playing for Stade Francais on Saturday.

But a scan has shown no structural damage and the 24-year-old will return to light training in the next 36 hours.

The England squad is currently based in Portugal, although Northampton wing Chris Ashton and Leicester scrum-half Ben Youngs returned home on Tuesday.

Uncapped Ashton, the Guinness Premiership's leading try-scorer this season, will be available to play for Saints in their LV= Cup clash against Sale Sharks on Friday before rejoining the England squad in Surrey two days later.

Youngs, meanwhile, will link up with the England Saxons, who are currently preparing in Bath for Sunday's game against Ireland A.

England kick off their Six Nations campaign against Wales at Twickenham on 6 February.

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