Elliot Daly will miss the entire Six Nations in a blow to new England boss Steve Borthwick.
Saracens have confirmed Daly will be sidelined for 12 weeks, having picked up a hamstring problem ahead of last weekend’s Champions Cup defeat in Edinburgh.
Versatile back Daly had forced a first England recall in a year with sparkling form for Saracens.
The 30-year-old withdrew in the warm-up from Saracens’ 20-14 loss at Edinburgh on Sunday, and was stood down from the England squad a day later.
New England head coach Borthwick had refused to rule Daly out of Six Nations action on Monday, holding out hope the former Wasps star could be back in action across the tournament.
But scans at Saracens have confirmed an extended lay-off for the in-form flier.
England called up Bath’s Ollie Lawrence as Daly’s replacement earlier this week, and the former Worcester centre will now stay with the Test squad.
England will start their Six Nations campaign by hosting Scotland at Twickenham on Saturday, February 4.
Saracens boss Mark McCall admitted it would be “horrible luck” if Daly were to miss this England chance due to injury, having worked so hard to force his way back into the Test picture.
But now that has come to pass, with an extended break on the cards.
