Cape Town - Saracens’ George Kruis has become the latest player to be ruled out of England’s tour to South Africa, with the lock requiring surgery to correct an ankle problem.
Following the recent news that Jonathan Joseph and Dylan Hartley will be unavailable for the three-Test series against the Springboks, Kruis has been added to that growing list of absentees.
Sarries’ director of rugby Mark McCall confirmed after their 51-14 victory over London Irish that the second-row will have an operation following the end of the domestic season.
"He's not going to tour, no," McCall said.
"He's going to have surgery at the end of the season."
There are also concerns surrounding Elliot Daly, who went off injured in Wasps’ narrow 36-29 triumph over Northampton Saints on Sunday, but boss Dai Young is unsure as to the extent of the injury.
"It's too early to tell," Young said.
"It was more of a collision injury and not an overstretch injury.
“They always look worse straight after the game but time will tell. I've had egg on my face a number of times when I've said I don't think they're serious but they end up serious.
"And then some guys have been stretchered off but they've been training on Monday. We'll wait and see over the next 24 hours."
The Boks host England in three Test matches on June 9, 16 and 23.