• Coach expects hooker to be fit for France game after serving six-week ban • Northampton player will be put through series of tests

This article is more than 3 years old

This article is more than 3 years old

England’s coach, Eddie Jones, said on Monday he is confident Dylan Hartley will be ready to captain the side when the Six Nations starts next month.

The Northampton hooker, who has not played since 9 December when he was sent off for striking and handed a six-week ban, will be put through a series of tests on Wednesday to prove his match fitness, before the opening match against France at Twickenham on 4 February.

Dylan Hartley banned for six weeks leaving him available for Six Nations Read more

“Dylan has been training the house down, and we expect him to be ready to go,” Jones told the BBC.

“He’s got a few hurdles he still has to jump, and if he jumps those and jumps them well, he’ll be captain of the side.”

Hartley is available from 23 January following the completion of his ban but is unlikely to play in the Anglo-Welsh Cup.

“I have never seen him in better physical condition. He is training very hard. He is going to have a game-like training session on Wednesday I believe and we will see how fit he is,” Jones told Sky Sports. “We are anticipating that he is going to be right and ready to go for the Six Nations.”

The Harlequins prop Joe Marler may also return quicker than expected from a broken leg, Jones added.

Marler was expected to be out for up to six weeks, but Jones would not rule him out of the France game.

“His recuperation might be quicker than we think,” said Jones. “There is always a chance. There is certainly hope there.”

Jones is due to name his squad on Friday.