England suffer Launchbury blow ahead of November Tests

England will have to do without Joe Launchbury for their November internationals after the second-rower underwent knee surgery.

Wasps have confirmed Launchbury will be out for between 10 and 12 weeks after picking up an injury during their Premiership victory over Leicester Tigers on September 16.

The 27-year-old, who has won 54 caps for his country, will miss England’s Tests against South Africa, New Zealand, Japan and Australia next month.

His absence is a further blow for national boss Eddie Jones, who was already certain to be without Anthony Watson, Sam Simmonds and Ellis Genge due to injuries.

Meanwhile, Wasps have also confirmed scrum-half Dan Robson will be out for three months as he requires an ankle operation.

.@WaspsRugby‘s Dai Young has issued an injury update on @joe_launch and @d_jrobson 

Launchbury: Has undergone a knee operation which will keep him out of action for the next 10-12 weeks.

Robson: Is due to have an ankle operation today and will be out of action for 12 weeks. pic.twitter.com/oYn5g3aL2o

— Premiership Rugby (@premrugby) October 12, 2018

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