Winger James Simpson-Daniel will miss the autumn internationals and is in a race against time to be fit for the RBS 6 Nations.
Simpson-Daniel ruled out for three months
Gloucester winger James Simpson-Daniel will miss the autumn internationals and is in a race against time to be fit for the RBS 6 Nations after suffering a serious ankle injury.
The 26-year-old requires surgery on ligament damage that means he will be sidelined for at least three months in another setback to a career that has been undermined by illness and injury.
Simpson-Daniel was the Guinness Premiership player of the season last year but has been restricted to just 10 appearances for England over a six year period owing to back, ankle and collarbone injuries, while he has also suffered glandular fever.
He was in great form again this season, scoring three tries in six games for Gloucester and was expected to start on the opposite wing to Paul Sackey against the Pacific Islanders on November 8.
Manager Martin Johnson is unlikely to make a decision on a replacement for Simpson-Daniel in the 32-man elite squad before the weekend.
Gloucester head coach Dean Ryan said: "To lose a player of James's quality is obviously a massive blow to us.
"He is an outstanding player and central to our attacking threat. Considering the other injuries we have across our backline this could not have come at a worse time for us.
"Naturally, he will get all the support he needs in his recovery process."
England open their autumn schedule against the Pacific Islands at Twickenham on November 8 before tackling Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.
