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Chris Ashton out of England's final autumn test against Australia with calf injury

Rugby

England wing Chris Ashton will miss Saturday's final autumn international against Australia after picking up a calf injury in the win over Japan.

Ashton, who was recalled by England head coach Eddie Jones this autumn after a long spell in the international wilderness, limped out of the 35-15 victory over the Brave Blossoms at Twickenham on Saturday. 

The news comes as a blow to both player and country, with Ashton scoring a try against New Zealand on his return to the starting lineup earlier this month and forcing himself back into World Cup contention.

The former Toulon man is the latest injury casualty for England coach Jones, with centre Manu Tuilagi also unlikely to be risked against Michael Cheika's side.

Tuilagi, another autumn returnee, is rated at "99.99% fitness" by Jones and his coaching team.

England have been without a host of other regulars this autumn, including Billy and Mako Vunipola, ex-captain Chris Robshaw and lock Joe Launchbury.

On Monday, Jones named a 28-man squad for the visit of Australia featuring fit-again No. 8 Nathan Hughes.

Danny Care, Zach Mercer and Alex Lozowski were all axed.

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