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England have been dealt a blow for the autumn internationals after Gloucester centre Seb Atkinson was ruled out of the series.
The 23-year-old suffered a knee and hip injury during last week’s defeat by Bath and Daily Mail Sport understands he will not return before December.
It is a blow to Steve Borthwick’s plans for the campaign, which kicks off against Australia at Twickenham on November 1.
Atkinson impressed during England’s summer tour, starting in the No 12 jersey for both Test victories over Argentina and forming a strong partnership with fly-half George Ford, who is the favourite wear the No 10 jersey this autumn.
Following specialist assessment, surgery will not be required on the injuries but Atkinson now faces a spell of rehabilitation.
England's selectors now need to reassess their options and with powerful Bath centre Ollie Lawrence likely to return to England’s midfield after recovering from a ruptured achilles in March, Borthwick’s tendency is to opt for another centre who can operate a second playmaker.
Seb Atkinson has been ruled out of England's autumn fixtures after a knee and hip injury
Atkinson, 23, had impressed on England's tour of the Americas this summer and formed a strong partnership with George Ford
That could work against Saints winger Tommy Freeman, who has revealed his ambitions to switch into the centres. Bath centre Max Ojomoh featured recently in the No 12 jersey and has worked closely with England’s new attack coach Lee Blackett.
Fraser Dingwall also offers playmaking skills in the midfield – and his selection could help his Northampton team-mate Fin Smith earn a recall to the No 10 jersey.
The balance of England’s midfield remains delicately poised, with Ford, Smith and Marcus Smith all stating their case to wear the No 10 jersey. Owen Farrell lurks as an outsider after his return to these shores with Saracens.
After the autumn opener against Australia in two and a half weeks' time, England take on Fiji, New Zealand and Argentina on consecutive weekends at Twickenham.
Atkinson was one of three men to make his England Test debut in La Plata, Argentina in July, but was sin-binned after just 22 minutes in a 35-12 win. He then scored his first England try a week later in San Juan as Borthwick's side won a 2-0 clean sweep.
