England head coach Stuart Lancaster has confirmed Brad Barritt has been ruled out of the rest of his side's Six Nations campaign.
Barritt was challenging for Luther Burrell's place at inside centre for Saturday's Six Nations clash with Scotland at Twickenham, only for an ankle sprain suffered during Saracens' victory at Wasps on Sunday to prevent him from facing the Scots or France seven days later.
It is a cruel blow to Barritt, whose injury enables Burrell to continue operating in the backline.
Burrell was a doubt himself after suffering a calf injury in the 19-9 defeat by Ireland but is due to resume training on Tuesday as head coach Stuart Lancaster finalises his team selection for winless Scotland.
The only change to the backline that started in Dublin will see Mike Brown restored at full-back after completing his recovery from concussion, forcing Alex Goode to drop out of the 23.
Emerging prospect Henry Slade has been called into the training squad as midfield cover, while Sam Burgess will join the squad at Pennyhill Park to continue his union education.
"Brad has what's being described as a high ankle sprain and will be out for the last two games for definite, but Luther has made good progress and will hopefully be fit to train on Tuesday," Lancaster said.
"Brad was in contention because he played so well for us during the autumn."
Prop Henry Thomas sustained a knee injury while playing for Bath over the weekend and is out against Scotland and France, but his loss is alleviated by the imminent return to training of Kieran Brookes.
Lancaster has confirmed that Northampton forwards Courtney Lawes and Tom Wood are under consideration for the penultimate round of the Six Nations having proved their fitness for Saints in recent weeks after being struck down by ankle injuries.
Source: AFP