Fin Smith has been withdrawn from England's training squad ahead of the autumn international against Australia on November 8th due to a calf injury sustained during Northampton Saints' loss to Leicester Tigers on Saturday. The fly-half will remain with the squad for treatment, but will not participate in training. Charlie Atkinson from Gloucester has been called up as his replacement for the three-day camp.
The extent of Smith's calf damage is still under evaluation, with an update expected on Tuesday. As England's first-choice fly-half, his availability for the match at Allianz Stadium is now in doubt after he started all three July Tests against South Africa, Fiji and Argentina.
If Smith is ruled out, George Ford from Sale will be considered as backup, while Marcus Smith from Harlequins enters camp as a third option. Marcus Smith recently marked his 200th appearance for Quins with a man-of-the-match display in their 33-15 victory over Saracens.
