Harlequins back will be out for six to eight weeks
Last Updated: June 10, 2012 10:16pm
Mike Brown: will return to England in the next few days
England full-back Mike Brown will miss the rest of the Test series against South Africa with a thumb injury.
Bath's
Nick Abendanon has been called up as a replacement forBrown, who suffered thumb ligament damage in attempting to prevent captain Jean de Villiers scoring the Springboks' second try during Saturday's 22-17 defeat in Durban.
Nick Abendanon has been called up as a replacement forBrown, who suffered thumb ligament damage in attempting to prevent captain Jean de Villiers scoring the Springboks' second try during Saturday's 22-17 defeat in Durban.
The 26-year-old Harlequins back is expected to be out of action for between six and eight weeks.
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Head coach Stuart Lancaster said: "Mike has pulled a ligament in his thumb. We're still waiting for specialist opinion as to whether he needs surgery but the reality is that he's out for six to eight weeks.
said: "Mike has pulled a ligament in his thumb. We're still waiting for specialist opinion as to whether he needs surgery but the reality is that he's out for six to eight weeks.
"He'll return home later in the week. It's very disappointing for him. He's worked hard for his opportunity and to get his place in the starting XV.
"I've told him to remember the quality of the season he's had and to keep in mind that he's got a lot to be proud of this season.
South Africa-born Abendanon, 25, was in Johannesburg on holiday after attending the wedding of his former Bath team-mate Pieter Dixon when he received the call.
-born Abendanon, 25, was in Johannesburg on holiday after attending the wedding of his former Bath team-mate Pieter Dixon when he received the call.
Abendanon won two caps in 2007 but has remained in the frame for a senior recall through his involvement in the Saxons squad.
Bonus
Lancaster added: "Nick is next in line from the Saxons and the fact that he is already here and can slot straight into training is a bonus."
Lancaster will now be forced to reshuffle his backs division for next Saturday's second Test at Coca-Cola Park, formerly Ellis Park.
Ben Foden could switch back from the wing to his preferred full-back position if winger David Strettlehas recovered from a calf strain.
could switch back from the wing to his preferred full-back position if winger David Strettlehas recovered from a calf strain.
Owen Farrell, who had a disappointing game at fly-half in Durban, could move to inside centre with Toby Flood, who came on as a substitute, taking over at number 10.
Alternatively Manu Tuilagi could move from outside centre into the injured Brad Barritt's place, withLondon Irish's Jonathan Joseph coming in for his first start.
Jonathan Joseph coming in for his first start.
Lancaster said: "We've trained with Owen at 10, Toby at 10 and with Owen at 10 and Toby 12. Clearly moving Manu in one is an option and having someone like JJ at 13."
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