 Barkley has won 16 caps for England at either centre or fly-half |
Bath and England star Olly Barkley will miss the first autumn Test against New Zealand after fracturing a bone in his right hand against Saracens on Sunday. Centre Barkley, 24, who missed Bath's last two matches with a groin injury, could be out for a month.
"He is a key member of the squad and we wish him a quick recovery," said England coach Andy Robinson.
"It's unfortunate for Olly, especially after he missed last season's Six Nations with a dislocated thumb."
Barkley's absence, along with Harlequins' Stuart Abbott who has a knee injury, could make way for Newcastle duo Jamie Noon and Mathew Tait in England's midfield.
England's autumn opener is against New Zealand at Twickenham on 5 November.
Robinson's side then play Argentina on 11 November and South Africa on 18 and 25 November.
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