Injured Armitage may miss internationals
England fullback Delon Armitage could miss the November rugby internationals after suffering a dislocated shoulder in London Irish's 40-10 Premiership win over Gloucester on Sunday.
Armitage was helped from the pitch in the 61st minute at the Madejski Stadium and Exiles head coach Toby Booth was reluctant to give a timeline for his return.
An update on the 25-year-old is expected on Monday but Armitage faces a race against time to be fit for the England matches against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand as a dislocated shoulder can take up to three months to completely heal.
"Delon has a suspected dislocated shoulder and he's gone to hospital. We'll know more tomorrow (Monday)," Booth said.
"Delon is a tough cookie so he will front it out. I have no idea how long he'll be out.
"Losing Delon for any amount of time would be massive, he's an international fullback and we want him on the pitch. Touch wood it's not too serious and we'll get him back soon."
Armitage joins Riki Flutey as a doubt for the November series at Twickenham, while Leicester's Toby Flood has already been ruled out following surgery on his Achilles problem.
Armitage's injury took the shine off an otherwise excellent bonus-point victory, although a vicious late brawl offered a moment of controversy that is sure to interest the citing officer.
Gloucester skipper Gareth Delve and George Stowers of Irish were eventually sent to the sin bin, but there were several pockets of fighting. In total the match saw six yellow cards.
"I only caught the end of it. Gloucester look like they came out for the second half with a few different intentions," Booth added.
"Things boiled over from frustration and tempers were high. I will be looking at the video very carefully.
"Stowers has been cut and has a big bruise around his eye. He seemed to take a lot of punches. I'm surprised he was carded.
"Gareth took the law into his own hands and there may be repercussions, but we'll have to look at the video again."
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