Tuesday 25 October 2016 07:49, UK
Maro Itoje has been ruled out for six weeks with a fractured hand and will miss England's autumn internationals.
The Saracens lock was injured during Saturday's European Champions Cup win over Scarlets, and subsequent scans showed a fractured right hand.
The damage is severe enough to require an operation, and the recovery time rules Itoje out of the upcoming internationals against South Africa, Fiji, Argentina and Australia.
England's pack has been badly hit by injuries in the run-up to the Tests, with James Haskell out along with potential replacements Sam Jones, Mike Williams and Jack Clifford.
Itoje's club-mate George Kruis is recovering from ankle surgery but could play some part towards the end of the autumn.
Mark McCall, Saracens Director of Rugby, said: "For any team to lose a player of the ability of Maro is a blow and he will be missed through the autumn for both Saracens and England.
"What's now important for Maro is his recovery and we look forward to his return later this season."
