De Luca will miss Calcutta Cup game

EDINBURGH, Scotland -- Scotland center Nick de Luca will miss this weekend's Calcutta Cup clash against England at Murrayfield with an ankle injury, a team statement released on Monday said.

Veteran lock Scott Murray, Scotland's most-capped player, has been recalled to the squad, along with Edinburgh's Craig Hamilton.

The pair were summoned after second-rows Nathan Hines (knee) and Scott MacLeod (shoulder) were unable to train on Monday because of injuries.

De Luca, who made his Scotland debut earlier in the season but was dropped for last month's 34-13 Six Nations defeat away to Ireland, sprained his right ankle in Edinburgh's Celtic League draw against Newport Gwent Dragons last weekend.

"The injury is not as bad as first feared but Nick is unavailable for selection for this weekend and will continue his rehabilitation under the care of the Edinburgh medical staff," said Scotland team doctor James Robson.

Hines and MacLeod were both impressive at the lineout in Dublin during what was yet another disappointing Scotland display overall.

Hines was expected to return to training on Tuesday although the outlook for MacLeod, injured at Croke Park, was less encouraging.

"Nathan is not taking any part in training today but he should be able to return tomorrow," Dr Robson added Monday.

"Scott is still receiving treatment from the injury he sustained against Ireland and further discussions will take place tonight and tomorrow to determine whether he is available for selection."

MacLeod's injury provides a chance for the 32-year-old Murray, who last season moved to French club Montauban from Edinburgh, to add his Scotland record of 87 caps.

Scotland have lost all three of their Six Nations matches this term and are only ahead of bottom-of-the-table Italy on points difference. E-mail to a friend