Shoulder injury forces Dickinson out of Scotland Six nations opener

Scotland prop Alasdair Dickinson catches a ball during the Captain's Run at Wellington Regional Stadium for the 2011 Rugby World Cup in Wellington on September 24, 2011. AFP PHOTO/Peter PARKS (Photo credit should read PETER PARKS/AFP/Getty Images)

Alasdair Dickinson training with Scotland during the World Cup

Alasdair Dickinson the 28-year-old Sale Sharks prop has been ruled out of involvement in Saturday’s RBS 6 Nations Championship opener against England at Murrayfield.

Dickinson was unable to train fully with the squad at their St Andrews camp last week on account of a shoulder injury he had sustained in his club’s Amlin Challenge Cup match against Brive earlier this month.

Scotland lead physiotherapist Paul McGinley confirmed tonight: “Alasdair was unable to train with the squad today as he is still recovering from the shoulder injury.

“We are returning him to continue his recovery with his club and we will reassess his situation after the England game.”

The Scotland team for the Calcutta Cup match will be announced tomorrow.