Sidelined.

England boss Eddie Jones has been hit with another massive injury blow with Northampton Saints confirming lock Courtney Lawes will miss the upcoming Autumn schedule.

Following consultation with the club’s medical staff and a specialist, Lawes will undergo surgery on the ankle injury he sustained against Sale Sharks last week.

The 31-year-old second-row will require a rehabilitation period of approximately 12 weeks.

Jones has already lost the services of George Kruis following his Saracens departure leaving him light in the engine-room for their busy upcoming schedule.

The news comes shortly after it was confirmed that centre Manu Tuilagi will be out for around 6 months after he tore his Achilles in the same game.

The 29-year-old will also require surgery and faces a long road to recovery.

Jones may also be unable to call on a number of Sale Sharks players as a result of their recent outbreak that saw their game with Worcester called off.