England centre Riki Flutey has been ruled out of England's November Tests against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand after being told he needs three months to recover from a shoulder injury.

Exploratory surgery on Flutey's left shoulder revealed serious damage and his surgeon has advised a three-month break from playing, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) announced.

Flutey, 29, suffered the injury in January but was able to play through the Six Nations and then toured with the British and Irish Lions in South Africa.

His loss represents a significant blow to England boss Martin Johnson, who could also be deprived of the services of his first-choice fullback, Delon Armitage.

Armitage, 25, was having a scan to assess the damage after he dislocated a shoulder playing for his club, London Irish.

After making his Test debut against the Pacific Islanders in November of last year, Armitage established himself as a key player for England, scoring five tries in 11 matches.

England begin their November series against Australia on November 7 and are already without fly-half Toby Flood, who is recovering from surgery on his Achilles tendon.

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