England's preparations for the climax to their autumn against Samoa on Saturday have been distrupted by the loss of Nathan Hughes.
Hughes is ruled out with a bruised knee, robbing Eddie Jones' men of a second ball-carrying number eight after Billy Vunipola was lost for the entire series due to injury.
Sam Simmonds of Exeter is likely to fill the 26-year-old's boots, but Chris Robshaw is also a possibility as England find themselves compelled to field a makeshift back row against Samoa.
"Nathan took a knock in training last week that was relatively innocuous - it was a bang, nothing more," forwards coach Steve Borthwick said.
"He was assessed after the Australia game and it was felt that he needed a period of recovery just to rest and to get it right so he is fully ready to go for the rest of the season.
"Nathan's been excellent. He's carried the ball well and punched holes. His effect on the other players has also been excellent."
Anthony Watson and Jonathan Joseph have been sent back to Bath after being deemed surplus to requirements for Saturday.
"They've played a fair amount of rugby this is an opportunity this week to ensure we look at other players and challenge our squad in different ways," Borthwick said.
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