Borthwick in fitness fight for final battles

Steve Borthwick’s ’significant pectoral injury’ could deny the Saracens captain the chance to close a decorated career with back-to-back Heineken Cup and Aviva Premiership finals.

Former England captain Borthwick must train tomorrow to prove his fitness for Saracens’ double final fortnight.

Saracens rugby director Mark McCall rated the 34-year-old lock as ‘50-50’ to recover in time for Saturday’s European showpiece battle with Toulon in Cardiff.

If Borthwick does not make the Heineken final then he will also miss the Premiership final on May 31.

“We’ll make a decision towards the end of the week,” said McCall on his captain, who trudged out of Saracens’ 31-17 Premiership semi-final victory over Harlequins.

“He’s got a chance. He hasn’t trained yet and there’s a few things he’s got to do before he’s declared fit, but we’ll make a firm decision on Thursday.

“We wouldn’t play him unless he’s proven he can play, functionally he’s got to be strong enough to play.

“We wouldn’t gamble at all with him. He’s got a significant injury to his pectoral muscle.”

Gritty skipper Borthwick will end his 16-year top-flight career this summer and McCall conceded he could already have made his final professional appearance.