Flanker Joe Worsley could be fit for England’s first Six Nations game against Wales (10/3 to win the Six Nations outright) after being told he doesn’t need surgery.

The 32-year-old’s participation in the Six Nations and the majority of Wasps’ season had been in doubt after he injured his knee ligaments during last weekend’s 19-6 defeat to New Zealand.

However, after further scans on the injury Worsley has been told he will undergo a course of rehab, rather than surgery, and could be back within eight weeks.

“Joe is expected to be out for a minimum period of eight weeks. London Wasps and the England medical team will continue to work together on Joe’s recovery,” read a statement for Wasps.

Wasps (11/10 to beat Sale in the match betting on Friday night) will be delighted with the news that one of their big name players could be back sooner than expected after making a dreadful start to the season.

Woseley had only returned to action for Wasps (8/1 to be Guinness Premiership regular season winners) at the start of November, having been sidelined with injury since the British & Irish Lions tour in the summer.

England coach Martin Johnson will also be relieved that he could have one of his more experienced players available for the Six Nations opener at Twickenham on February 6 with a raft of players expected to miss the tournament.