Armitage out of autumn Tests

(PA)

Delon Armitage is set to miss England's autumn Test series after being told he requires surgery on a dislocated shoulder. The London Irish full-back will go under the knife on Monday and is expected to be out of action for 12 weeks.

That would rule Armitage out of England's three November Tests – against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand – and potentially London Irish's first four Heineken Cup fixtures. Armitage saw a specialist yesterday after suffering the injury in the Exiles' 40-10 Guinness Premiership victory over Gloucester on Sunday.

Martin Johnson, the England manager, will delay naming any replacement for Armitage until the squad next convene in five weeks' time.

He is the second key player Johnson has lost to a shoulder injury in the space of 24 hours, with centre Riki Flutey also requiring surgery. Armitage has played every Test under Johnson after making his debut against the Pacific Islanders last November.