Maro Itoje ruled out of England's autumn internationals

The injury list for England ahead of the autumn internationals has been on the rise with the latest casualty being Saracens lock Maro Itoje.

The 21-year-old suffered a broken hand while playing for his club Saracens in the European Champions Cup clash against Scarlets at Allianz Park last weekend.

Saracens head coach Mark McCall confirmed in a statement released by the club that the former Under-20 might need upto six weeks of rehabilitation period.

"For any team to lose a player of the ability of Maro is a blow, and he will be missed through the autumn for both Saracens and England.

"What's now important for Maro is his recovery, and we look forward to his return later this season."

The news comes days after Itoje's Saracens team-mate and England international George Kruis was also ruled out of November Tests due to an ankle injury.

Itoje was seen as a possible option at openside after James Haskell (foot), Anthony Watson (fractured jaw), Sam Jones (ankle), Mike Williams (arm) and Jack Clifford (ankle) all ruled out of the autumn internationals.

England's autumn internationals will kick-off with a Test against South Africa at Twickenham on 12th November and will be followed with clashes against Fiji, Argentina and Australia.