Six Nations: Bhatti and Bayliss out of Scotland's squad ahead of England clash

Scotland will be without Jamie Bhatti and Josh Bayliss for the opening match of their Six Nations campaign against England.

James Bhatti has withdrawn from Scotland's squad for their opening Six Nations match, while Gregor Townsend will also be without Josh Bayliss.

Scotland face England in their first game of the tournament at Murrayfield on Saturday.

However, Bhatti, a loosehead at Glasgow Warriors, has withdrawn from the squad due to injury.

Bayliss, meanwhile, will remain with his club side Bath for further assessment after he suffered a concussion against Leinster in the Champions Cup on January 22.

Scotland's update also confirmed Duhan van der Merwe and Kyle Rowe had joined up with the squad and that Sean Maitland, who was not selected by Townsend but was with the group, has returned to Saracens. 

Squad update:

Jamie Bhatti has withdrawn due to injury and been replaced by Allan Dell.

Josh Bayliss will continue his recovery from concussion at Bath and Sean Maitland has returned to Saracens.

Duhan van der Merwe and Kyle Rowe have now joined up with the squad. pic.twitter.com/fp5bsdYnzD

— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) January 31, 2022

After hosting England, Scotland face Wales in Cardiff and then welcome France to Murrayfield before taking on Italy. They round off their campaign against Ireland in Dublin on March 19.