England flanker James Haskell could miss autumn internationals after being sidelined for up to six months
England boss Eddie Jones will be without flanker James Haskell for this year's autumn internationals after the Wasps captain was ruled out for up to six months.
The 31-year-old requires reconstructive surgery on his toe due to an injury sustained in England's second test in Australia last month.
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After appearing in just one game at the 2015 World Cup, Haskell has revived his international career under Jones and was named player of the series in England's 3-0 summer tour whitewash against the Wallabies.
Yet with England's first autumn international against South Africa four months away, the Wasps captain is unlikely to take part.
Haskell, who has 70 caps for his country, will also miss the start of the Premiership season with Wasps.
"We're all really disappointed for James and we are all wishing him a speedy recovery," said Wasps director of rugby Dai Young.
"James' performances with England, both in the 3-0 series win over Australia and in England's Six Nations grand slam success, have been hugely impressive.
"Everyone at Wasps knows how hard James works to make those performances happen, and we know he'll be working just as hard to come back in the best shape possible.
“Our medical team will be working closely with James over the next few months to get him back to full fitness and in the meantime there will be a good opportunity for the other back row players we have at the club to stake a claim.”
Jones's men are playing four games at Twickenham this autumn, starting with the visit of the Springboks on Saturday 12 November before facing Fiji, Argentina and Australia over the following weeks.