Your support helps us tell the story
Most polls show this election remains close. In a race this close, reporters are needed on the ground to talk to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to this story.
The Independent is trusted every month by 27 million Americans from across the political spectrum. Unlike many other quality news organizations, we don’t lock you away from our reporting or analysis with a paywall. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Please help us continue to bring these important stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
CloseRead more
Ollie Chetham is seriously doubtful for the Autumn opener against New Zealand on November 2 due to a knee problem.
Chessam was injured during the team’s training camp in Girona last week and the PA news agency understands he is undergoing tests, the final result of which should be known on Sunday.
The 24-year-old is currently sweating the prospect of being available for the All Blacks’ visit to Allianz Stadium, as well as the remaining games against Australia, South Africa and Japan.
If ruled out, Leicester’s back five forwards would be a big loss for head coach Steve Borthwick.
Chetham offers an option in the second and back rows and has impressed at blindside flanker against Ireland and France, as well as performing well in this year’s Six Nations.
He was due to tour Japan and New Zealand in the summer in hopes of increasing his cap count to 23, but was sidelined by shoulder and thumb problems that required surgery.
He could face another long break in his Test career after receiving one of 17 enhanced Elite Player Squad contracts announced on Friday.
Northampton scrum-half Alex Mitchell has already been ruled out for the autumn with a neck injury, and it is unclear when George Ford and Fraser Dingwall will return.
Center Henry Slade will aim to prove his fitness following shoulder surgery in his first appearance of the season when Exeter take on Harlequins on Sunday.
