England’s injury crisis in the back row has worsened with Harlequins flanker Chris Robshaw ruled out of the autumn internationals with a knee problem.
Robshaw is understood to have had surgery on the issue, and becomes the latest key player to be sidelined.
Quins boss Paul Gustard said: “We are hugely disappointed to lose Chris for a short period of time while he recovers from this injury.
“Not least because he has been one of our standout performers across our first seven games this season and also because this period in the calendar provides the opportunity to represent England in the Autumn Internationals and I am sure he would have featured strongly in Eddie Jones’ plans for those matches.”
Number eight Billy Vunipola and lock Joe Launchbury are already missing because of injury, while Nathan Hughes is facing suspension.