Tuesday 20 March 2018 15:08, UK
St Helens prop Alex Walmsley has undergone surgery for a fractured bone in his neck.
Saints say the 27-year-old front rower, who sustained the injury in their 30-12 win over Warrington at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on March 9, will be sidelined for the long term.
Coach Justin Holbrook said of the England international: "It is obviously a massive blow to our team, given the fact that Alex is the best front rower in Super League.
"But we all welcome the news that Alex will make a full recovery from the injury."
Walmsley made his England debut in the second week of the 2017 World Cup in Australia and made a big impact as Wayne Bennett's men went on to reach the final.
He will miss England's mid-season Test against New Zealand in Denver, Colorado on June 23 and his absence will be a major blow to Saints, as they seek to hang on to top spot in the Betfred Super League.
Holbrook added: "We have a strong squad at Saints and I'm sure that the rest of the team will step up in Alex's absence.
"We want to wish Alex a speedy and safe recovery and can't wait to have him back on the field with the boys - but only when he has fully recovered."
