Gloucester wing James Simpson-Daniel will miss England's November Tests after suffering ankle ligament damage that will keep him out of action for 12 weeks, the English Rugby Football Union announced on Thursday.

Simpson-Daniel, who would have been hoping to start in at least one of England's matches against Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the Pacific Islanders, suffered the injury during his club's European Cup defeat against Cardiff on Sunday.

The injury is the latest setback to afflict the career of Simpson-Daniel, who has managed to make just ten England appearances over the course of a six-year international career.

Gloucester's head coach Dean Ryan said: "To lose a player of James's quality is obviously a massive blow to us.

"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 boss Martin Johnson said he would decide on a replacement for Simpson-Daniel on Friday.

AFP