England flanker James Haskell sidelined for up to six months after toe surgery

England international James Haskell is set to face a lengthy layoff period, which might last up to six months after he underwent a toe surgery.

The Wasps flanker sustained the toe injury during the second Test against Australia in Melbourne last month and was ruled out of the final Test in Sydney. However, his heroics in the first two games were enough for him to be named the man of the series which England went on to win 3-0.

It was Northampton forward Teimana Harrison, who replaced Haskell for the third Test in Sydney, failed to impress and was substituted on the 30th minute by Courtney Lawes with lock Maro Itoje switching to number six and Chris Robshaw shifting to openside.

Haskell confirmed the news on his surgery with a short video on social media.

"I made it through the op! All went well. Foot Hurts like hell though."

The 31-year-old is set to miss England's home series against South Africa, Fiji, Argentina and Australia later in the year.

Earlier, Haskell hoped he will be fit in time for the autumn internationals against the Springboks and the 2017 Lions tour to New Zealand.

After making his debut for England in 2007, Haskell has gone to play 70 Tests for his country which includes 35 Five / Six Nations games and seven World Cup games.