England prop Alex Corbisiero to undergo knee surgery

The Northampton Saints player had already been ruled out of this weekend's clash with New Zealand

Alex Corbisiero’s knee injury has added to England’s front-row problems (Getty Images)

England prop Alex Corbisiero is to undergo surgery on the knee injury that has forced him to miss Saturday's QBE International against New Zealand, his club Northampton have confirmed.

Corbisiero is to have a cartilage operation on his left knee and a date has yet to be set for his return.

The 25-year-old missed the autumn opener against Australia with the injury he sustained on club duty on October 11 and then aggravated the problem when he made his comeback against Argentina on Saturday.

It was hoped he would be available to start against the All Blacks, but he suffered a flare-up in training on Tuesday and was ruled of the Twickenham showdown.

Corbisiero has a history of knee issues and missed the RBS 6 Nations as underwent rehabilitation for an injury on the joint of his right leg.

PA