Steve Borthwick set to miss England's Australia tour with knee problem

The England captain Steve Borthwick is set to miss the summer tour to Australasia as a result of a rare knee condition, according to reports. The lock's problem is likely to keep him out of action altogether for the next two months, according to The Times. The medical teams at both Borthwick's club, Saracens, and the Rugby Football Union met this week to discuss how best to treat an injury that forced Borthwick's withdrawal from last Saturday's match against France in the Six Nations. Lewis Moody led the side in his absence. The problem for the 30-year-old, who has 57 caps, lies with his left knee cap, which has caused him discomfort for a long period. "He has had difficulty with the knee, soreness, whether running, jumping, training or playing," one source said.