• Borthwick scan revels only sprained rib cartilage
• England skipper available for Investec Challenge Autumn Series

England captain Steve Borthwick is set to be fit for the Investec Challenge Internationals after a scan today revealed sprained rib cartilage.

The lock sustained the injury while captaining Saracens to a 22-9 Guinness Premiership victory over Harlequins on Saturday.

Initial fears that the injury was more serious have been allayed after a joint assessment by the England and Saracens medical staff.

Saracens director of rugby Brendan Venter said the injury is nothing to worry about and expects the giant forward to be available for England.

“Saracens and England supporters can relax,” he said.

“It's not a serious problem and it certainly won't stop Steve from being available for the internationals.

“We'll have to wait and see if he's available for Sunday's game against Gloucester."

The news comes after England pair Riki Flutey and Delon Armitage were ruled out of the games against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand this autumn due to shoulder injuries.