Armitage in doubt for November
September 13 2009
England full-back Delon Armitage's participation in the November internationals is under threat after he suffered a dislocated shoulder on Sunday.
Armitage was helped from the pitch in the 61st minute of London Irish's 40-10 Guinness Premiership victory over Gloucester at the Madejski Stadium.
An update on the 25-year-old, England's most dynamic player since making his debut last November, is expected on Monday with Exiles Head Coach Toby Booth reluctant to give a timeline for his return.
"Delon has a suspected dislocated shoulder and he's gone to hospital. We'll know more tomorrow," said Booth.
"Delon is a tough cookie so he will front it out. I have no idea how long he'll be out.
"Losing Delon for any amount of time would be massive, he's an international full-back and we want him on the pitch.
"Touch wood it's not too serious and we'll get him back soon."
With dislocated shoulders typically taking six to 12 weeks to heal, Armitage could miss England's autumn fixtures against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand.
He joins Riki Flutey as a doubt for the November series at Twickenham, while Leicester's Toby Flood has already been ruled out following surgery on his Achilles problem.
Armitage's injury took the shine off an otherwise excellent bonus-point victory, although a vicious late brawl offered a moment of controversy that is sure to interest the citing officer.
Gloucester skipper Gareth Delve and George Stowers of Irish were eventually sent to the sin-bin, but there were several pockets of fighting. In total the match saw six yellow cards.
"I only caught the end of it. Gloucester look like they came out for the second half with a few different intentions," said Booth.
"Things boiled over from frustration and tempers were high. I will be looking at the video very carefully.
"Stowers has been cut and has a big bruise around his eye. He seemed to take a lot of punches. I'm surprised he was carded.
"Gareth took the law into his own hands and there may be repercussions, but we'll have to look at the video again."
Gloucester head coach Bryan Redpath refused to condemn Delve and lamented the poor discipline that meant his side were shown four yellow cards.
"I've spoke to Gareth. One of our guys was hit off the ball and Gareth had a bit of anger and frustration in him, so he squared up," he said.
"It's one of those things that happens in a contact sport. I haven't made an issue of it.
"It doesn't concern me if my captain is doing that - he's a good, honest man and I have no issues with him."
"We were down to 14 men for the majority of the second half and you're not going to compete like that," added Redpath.