England lock Joe Launchbury is in doubt for the opening Test of the series against the Springboks in Johannesburg due to a calf problem.

Launchbury sustained the injury with England last week and was unable to train with the squad on Tuesday.

The 52-cap lock was set to start the first Test of the three-match series alongside Maro Itoje but is now a concern, with 20-year-old Nick Isiekwe set to come into the lineup should Launchbury not recover in time.

England are already without injured locks Courtney Lawes and Charlie Ewels, leaving them short of numbers in the second row.

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