Thompson's absence against the All Blacks would be a major blow

Thompson suffered a calf tear in Saturday's Premiership match at Gloucester and will be sidelined for at least the next month.

England play New Zealand at Twickenham in six weeks, on Sunday 5 November.

Coach Andy Robinson is already likely to be without Steve Borthwick, Jonny Wilkinson and James Simpson-Daniel.

Thompson's injury was one of several sustained by Saints players at Kingsholm.

The injuries to Steve and Bruce appear to be serious ones Saints coach Paul Grayson

Captain Bruce Reihana is to see a specialist after undergoing a scan on Monday for suspected knee ligament damage, and could be facing a long spell on the sidelines.

Former Scotland prop Tom Smith will also have a scan on his injured knee, although is said to be "recovering well already".

Fellow prop Pat Barnard, a member of England's Elite Player Squad, "is also showing signs of recovery" and joined up with the England squad at Loughborough University on Monday.

"The initial signs were that we had lost our entire front row, but hopefully the damage is not too serious to Tom and Pat," said Saints head coach Paul Grayson.

"The injuries to Steve and Bruce appear to be serious ones and put the squad under pressure, but they also give a chance for others to step up.

"Thankfully (hooker) Dylan Hartley has now returned to training, which is good news for our front row."