Scotland wing Sean Maitland is to miss the remainder of the Six Nations Championship, officials have announced on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old New Zealand-born back limped off midway through the first half of Scotland’s tournament opening 28 / 6 defeat by Ireland in Dublin on Sunday, suffering both concussion and leg injuries.
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Following an examination at an Edinburgh hospital, Glasgow flyer Maitland has been ruled out for two months with damage to his knee and ankle,
However, the injuries are not so serious as to require surgery.
Scotland team doctor James Robson, in a Scottish Rugby Union statement issued Wednesday, said: “Sean was examined by consultant orthopaedic surgeon Graham Lawson. He found that Sean has sustained some damage to the structures of his knee and ankle but, happily, does not require surgery.
“The expected recovery time for soft tissue damage of this sort is up to eight weeks.
“Sean is now beginning work on his rehabilitation in the care of the Glasgow Warriors medical team.”
Maitland was replaced at Lansdowne Road by Max Evans, who could now find himself in the starting XV come Saturday’s Calcutta Cup clash at Murrayfield.
Maitland scored a try on his debut in last year’s corresponding clash at Twickenham, but that remains his only score in nine Tests.
Scotland coach Scott Johnson is due to name his side to play England on Thursday after Wednesday’s scheduled team announcement was delayed by 24 hours.