Simpson-Daniel ruled out of autumn Tests
James Simpson-Daniel has had an injury plagued England career
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Thursday, 23, Oct 2008 10:17
Gloucester winger James Simpson-Daniel will miss England's autumn Test matches after injuring his ankle in the Heineken Cup defeat to Cardiff Blues on Sunday.
Last season's Guinness Premiership player of the year needs surgery on ligament damage and will be out for close to three months. Simpson-Daniel, who was expected to start against the Pacific Islands on November 8, now faces a race against time to be fit for the Six Nations.
After a brilliant last season, Simpson-Daniel has again been one of Gloucester's best players this season, scoring three tries in the six games he has played.
"To lose a player of James's quality is obviously a massive blow to us," said Gloucester coach Dean Ryan.
"He is an outstanding player and central to our attacking threat. Considering the other injuries we have across our backline this could not have come at a worse time for us. Naturally, he will get all the support he needs in his recovery process."
England coach Martin Johnson said he will be in regular contact with Simpson-Daniel to make sure his recovery going according to plan.
Johnson will now have to decide who will replace Simpson-Daniel in the England squad. Harlequins speedster David Strettle would be an ideal replacement, but he is recovering from a broken metartasal and might not be fit in time for the internationals.