Chris Ashton will miss England's autumn clash against Australia with calf injury, confirms Steve Borthwick

The forwards coach confirmed that the 31-year-old will be sidelined for ‘a couple of weeks’ with the issue

England have ruled Chris Ashton out of Saturday's clash with Australia due to a calf injury picked up in last weekend's victory over Japan.

Ashton's international comeback has stalled after making three appearances this autumn due to the problem sustained in the first half of England's 35-15 win over Japan at Twickenham.

The 31-year-old was forced to miss training this morning after undergoing a scan and forwards coach Steve Borthwick confirmed that the 31-year-old will be out for "a couple of weeks".

Ashton started for England against New Zealand (Getty)

Ashton became available for England once more when he left Toulon for Sale over the summer but so far he has been limited to one appearance for the Sharks after incurring a seven-week ban for a tip tackle.

He was drafted straight into Eddie Jones' squad for the Quilter Internationals and profited when Manu Tuilagi was ruled out of the opener against South Africa because of a groin strain.

Tuilagi is unlikely to be involved on Saturday as he continues his battle for full fitness but the Leicester centre remains with the squad.

Jonny May and Jack Nowell are now favourites to line-up on the wings when Australia visit Twickenham, but Joe Cokanasiga is also an option after making a promising debut against Japan.