Borthwick played on against Harlequins despite his rib injury

England captain Steve Borthwick will be fit to play in the November Test series after a scan revealed the forward has a sprained rib cartilage.

The Saracens lock had the scan after picking up the injury in Saturday's bruising 22-9 win over Harlequins.

"Saracens and England supporters can relax," said Saracens director of rugby Brendan Venter.

"It's not a serious problem and it certainly won't stop Steve from being available for the internationals."

England play their first autumn Test against Australia on 7 November, with matches against Argentina and New Zealand to follow on consecutive Saturdays.

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England also have injury concerns over Quins players Jordan Turner-Hall, who required a shoulder X-ray, and David Strettle, who has a foot problem.

England are already without injured centre Riki Flutey and full-back Delon Armitage for the autumn Tests.

Turner-Hall, who was undergoing a scan on Monday, is one of the candidates to replace Flutey at inside centre.

Borthwick, 29, has been the England captain since the 2008 Six Nations, retaining the job in manager Martin Johnson's first season in charge.

However Borthwick's injury means he is a doubt for Saracens' next game against Gloucester on 27 September.

"We'll have to wait and see if he's available for Sunday's game against Gloucester," said Venter.

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