England prop Joe Marler will have to prove he has recovered from concussion in order to be considered for Saturday’s match against New Zealand.
Marler was taken off at half-time in England’s win over Argentina and will have to pass cognitive tests to play.
With Mako Vunipola out with a knee injury, fellow loose-head Matt Mullan remains with the England squad.
“Joe’s going through the mandatory recovery but we’re hoping he’ll be OK,” said England boss Stuart Lancaster.
Lancaster also confirmed “Mako won’t be playing”. The 22-year-old Saracens loose-head has not recovered from the knee problem that saw him miss the
Northampton and Lions loose-head Alex Corbisiero, just back from injury himself, is tipped to start against the world champions at Twickenham.
Corbisiero, who replaced Marler for the second half last weekend, has recovered from the knee injury that saw him miss the win against Australia in the opening autumn Test.
Wasps prop Mullan, 26, won his only cap as a
replacement against Italy in 2010.
England boss Lancaster must also decide whether to recall Dan Cole or retain David Wilson at tight-head prop, while Dylan Hartley is expected to remain at hooker in preference to Tom Youngs after a man-of-the-match display against Argentina.
Wing Chris Ashton’s place is also under threat after another unconvincing outing on Saturday.
Lancaster confirmed Christian Wade would have started ahead of Ashton against the Pumas before suffering a hamstring strain in training, but the Wasps winger is unlikely to have recovered in time for the All Blacks game.
However, London Irish wing Marland Yarde, who also failed a late fitness test on a hip problem, is expected to be available and could start on the right wing in place of Ashton.
Scrum-half Ben Youngs, a late withdrawal from the bench against Argentina with a hip complaint, has been given the all-clear for this week.
England v New Zealand: Joe Marler faces concussion check
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