The London Irish full-back will go under the knife on Monday and is expected to be out of action for 12 weeks.

That would rule Armitage out of England’s three November Tests - against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand - and potentially London Irish’s first four Heineken Cup fixtures.

Armitage saw a specialist today after suffering the injury in the Exiles’ 40-10 Guinness Premiership victory over Gloucester on Sunday.

England confirmed this evening that Armitage will have an arthroscopy on Monday with a view to undergoing an operation on his left shoulder on the same day.

Armitage is the second key player Johnson has lost to a shoulder injury in the space of 24 hours, with centre Riki Flutey also requiring surgery.

“Riki and Delon both had excellent international seasons last year and I wish them well with their recovery,” said Johnson.

“The England senior EPS players will meet again on October 25 and a squad will be announced the following day after round six of the Guinness Premiership.”