Johnson left in limbo

England manager Martin Johnson admits he is playing a game of "double-jeopardy" as the Guinness Premiership and Heineken Cup reach their climax.

Johnson is in the frustrating position of trying to plan England's summer Test series against Argentina knowing he could lose players both to injury and to the British and Irish Lions.

"It does affect your plans but guys get injured and you have to be aware of that and know who is next in line and what you are going to do," said Johnson, who will name his squad after the Premiership final on May 19.

"We have also got this double-jeopardy where if other guys get injured we could lose players to the Lions," he added.

"I want that to happen to guys if they can get that experience.

"The best thing our guys can do is to play some tough rugby with England against Argentina and if they are called up they are ready to go."

Leicester fly-half Toby Flood has already been ruled out for six months after damaging his Achilles in the Tigers' Heineken Cup semi-final victory over Cardiff Blues last weekend.

And eye-catching performances in this weekend's Premiership semi-finals could propel Leicester flanker Tom Croft and Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care closer to Lions selection.

Ian McGeechan is seeking a replacement for injured Ireland scrum-half Tomas O'Leary and potentially Munster's Alan Quinlan, who faces a disciplinary hearing on Wednesday after being cited for alleged eye-gouging.

Around 20 potential England tourists will be in action on Saturday as the Tigers tackle Bath in the first Premiership semi-final, with Harlequins hosting London Irish in the late kick-off.