Eastmond picks up ankle knock

England scrum-half Kyle Eastmond looks set to miss the international against France after being ruled out for up to a month.

The St Helens man was carried off during their Challenge Cup victory over Barrow at the weekend with an ankle injury, and will sit out their next few games.

A statement on the club’s official website said: “A scan revealed ligament damage but thankfully there is no problem with the bones or cartilage which would have meant a longer lay off.”

Eastmond has scored 13 tries and 69 goals for Saints this season, after taking on the number 7 shirt vacated by Sean Long.

He was named in Steve McNamara’s 19-man squad for England‘s mid-season international against France on June 12 yesterday, but now looks likely to miss out.

McNamara is already without Warrington half-back Richie Myler through injury, which means that Leeds stand-off Danny McGuire is likely to feature alongside Sam Tomkins in the game at Leigh Sports Village.