England injury latest: Updates and expected return dates for six stars

"I feel for him," said Bristol director of rugby Pat Lam, who confirmed the scrum-half will miss up to four months after having surgery.

He added: "But it's like anything, as I say to the boys, injury is an opportunity to improve other areas and come back fighting fit." 

The 24-year-old played in four games of England's 2022 Six Nations campaign earlier this year, starting against Wales, Italy and Ireland.

Jamie George (Foot injury): The hooker suffered a foot injury during the match against Leicester Tigers in early October. It is expected that he will be out for around 10 weeks, returning in early December.

Courtney Lawes (Concussion): The forward suffered his latest concussion against Leicester Tigers on 24th September, but remains some way off a return to full training. Northampton boss Phil Dowson confirmed last week the 33-year-old remains stood down from rugby due to the latest head knock, which previously forced him to miss the first two rounds of this year’s Six Nations.

Sam Underhill (Shoulder): The Bath forward, who has won 29 caps, had shoulder surgery in September that is expected to have him sidelined for 12 weeks.

George Ford (Achilles): Sanderson told The Times in July that Ford sustained a six-to-nine-month injury. The best-case scenario is that he will be in contention to make his club debut when Leicester visit the AJ Bell Stadium at the end of December.  

Charlie Ewels (ACL): The 27-year-old suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury while on international duty with England this summer, with the normal recovery time following that diagnosis being nine to twelve months.