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Wales coach Warren Gatland has played down the significance of England's injury problems ahead of their Six Nations opener.

England will be without fly-half Owen Farrell, centre Brad Barritt and locks Geoff Parling and Courtney Lawes.

Gatland says England can take the underdogs' mentality into the match.

"If I was in the England camp, I would be talking about the injuries all the time and trying to go down to Wales as underdogs," said Gatland.

"We know England have so much strength in depth, in three or four positions they have got that quality to bring in.

"They're going to be a very tough side for us to confront on that Friday night."

Parling, centres Kyle Eastmond and Brad Barritt and back-rower Tom Wood are the latest England players to be confirmed as being out of contention to face Wales.

By contrast, Gatland hopes to to have a full-strength-squad to pick from.

"This time the squad has come in and we don't have too many injuries," said Gatland.

"Hopefully by early next week we will have a full squad to choose from.

"England have a number of players who have picked up injuries.

"We have got to make sure we are not complacent."