Forrester was voted Premiership player of the month for September

The 25-year-old will undergo surgery on Tuesday to repair a torn cartilage, damaged in the Heineken Cup defeat to Leinster earlier this month.

Forrester is expected to be out of action for six weeks.

"This injury is obviously devastating news for him, Gloucester and England," said Gloucester coach Dean Ryan.

"James has been one of our stand-out performers so far this season and is capable of becoming an international-quality forward.

James was very much in contention for this series England coach Andy Robinson

"Everyone will offer him all the support he needs to make a full recovery - he is a very determined individual and we obviously hope to see him back in action as soon as possible."

Forrester, who was named as the Premiership player of the month for September, has two caps after breaking into the England squad this year.

And he was in line to feature at some point for England in the games against New Zealand, Argentina and South Africa (twice) next month.

"We wish James a speedy and complete recovery," said England head coach Andy Robinson.

"It is a blow for Gloucester and England because he was very much in contention for this series but the important thing for him now is that he gets the best treatment and rehabilitation."

Forrester joins a lengthy England injury list which includes Josh Lewsey, Olly Barkley, Olly Morgan, Perry Freshwater, Steve Borthwick, Mathew Tait and Stuart Abbott.