Scotland wing Sean Maitland and front-rower Blair Cowan are among five players ruled out of the squad to face Italy in the Six Nations on Saturday.

Maitland missed the 27-23 defeat to Wales with a hamstring strain, while Cowan lasted just 10 minutes of the match in Cardiff after suffering a concussion shortly after coming on in the second half. Neither has recovered in time to play in Rome.

Also out of the training squad are Alex Allan and Chris Fusaro, with head injuries, and Pat MacArthur, who has groin and thigh problems.

However, coach Vern Cotter has been boosted by the return of wing Tim Visser and center Peter Horne after both men completed their recoveries from hamstring and foot injuries – and will train this week.