Friday 6 October 2017 23:48, UK
Jack Clifford is a doubt for England's autumn series after dislocating his shoulder in Harlequins' 42-26 Aviva Premiership victory over Sale.
Clifford departed the bonus-point win at Twickenham Stoop with his right arm in a sling following a collision at the breakdown and is facing a spell on the sidelines with director of rugby John Kingston unable to give a time frame for his return.
The 24-year-old back row, who missed the summer tour to Argentina after undergoing surgery on the same joint in April, was playing through the pain barrier due to a chest and arm problem even before damaging his shoulder.
"It looks like Jack has dislocated his shoulder. It's frustrating for him. It's too early to say how long he'll be out for," Kingston said.
"To give an insight on where we are injury wise, last night (Thursday) we had a training session here under lights and we actually had five players in doubt.
"Three of them missed and two of them got in and Jack was one of those. He had a sore biceps and pec on the left side, so he had strength tablets to get out on the pitch in the first place.
"It was disappointing because he played ever so well while he was on the pitch."
With Billy Vunipola out of action for four months due to knee surgery and the incumbent England No 8, Nathan Hughes, unavailable this weekend for Wasps due to a dead leg, the position could be a concern for Eddie Jones.
England's head coach will name his squad for the Old Mutual Wealth series on 26 October.
England will face Argentina, Australia and Samoa at Twickenham Stadium, live on Sky Sports, on consecutive weekends in November.
The Australian's side will be looking to build on the success of their Six Nations Championship victory and 2-0 summer series win in Argentina but may need to dig deep into their back row resources in order to help them do so.
