Marcus Smith sidelined until new year with ankle injury

England and Harlequins fly-half Marcus Smith is set to be sidelined until the new year following an ankle injury.

Smith, who is an integral part of both Harlequins and England sustained the injury during the final Test of the autumn internationals against South Africa where he was forced to leave the field in the 61st minute.

The 23-year-old started all four of England's autumn internationals and has been Eddie Jones' preferred choice at fly-half.

Quins boss Tabai Matson revealed the extend of Smith's injury.

"We know he is definitely out for a month and then next week we will get a bit more clarity around what those timeframes are like," Matson said.

"It’s disappointing for him, but he is quite a resilient lad and he hasn’t had many injuries, touch wood."

Smith will now miss at least Harlequins' Heineken Champions Cup games against Sharks and Racing 92 along with the Premiership game against Bristol Bears.