England and Harlequins scrumhalf Danny Care sustained an injury to his left big toe joint in last weekend's fixture against Wales and, after scans and specialist opinions, will undergo surgery this week.

Recovery time is anticipated to be a minimum of six weeks and therefore Danny is ruled out of the initial 30 man World Cup squad to be announced on Monday, August 22.

Speaking on the news, England team manager, Martin Johnson said: "We are all hugely disappointed for Danny who has worked extremely hard and has been an important part of the squad throughout our World Cup preparations.

"He featured in both warm-up fixtures and was on course for selection so this injury is really disappointing for him personally and for us as a squad. Nobody wants to see a player ruled out at this stage through injury and we all wish Danny a speedy recovery.

"In terms of our selection options we are fortunate to have depth at nine with Ben Youngs, now back into full training, Joe Simpson and Richard Wigglesworth. These guys have all been part of the World Cup camp and will be considered ahead of the final 30 man squad announced on Monday."