England have ruled Wigan loose forward Sean O'Loughlin out of Saturday's international against France at Hull KR's MS3 Craven Park.
The Warriors captain has failed to recover from the hamstring strain he suffered during England's 80-12 victory over Wales in their opening autumn international in Wrexham on Saturday.
O'Loughlin, who missed last year's Four Nations Series with a hip injury, will undergo extensive treatment from the England medical staff in a bid to be fit for the final of the triangular tournament, against France, at the City of Salford Stadium on November 11. "Unfortunately, Sean will have to sit out the game on Saturday against France," said coach Steve McNamara.
"We have monitored his injury over the weekend and will continue to do so this week. The main aim now is trying to get him fit for the final in a fortnight's time."
O'Loughlin's likely replacement for Saturday's game is his Wigan team-mate Liam Farrell, who is hoping to win his first cap after playing for England in the second Exiles game this summer.
Farrell was a late call-up following the withdrawal of Warrington second rower Ben Westwood but was one of seven members of McNamara's 24-man squad unused against the Welsh.
"The injury to Sean means someone else will be given a chance to shine," McNamara added. "We have a number of options and some of the players who missed out against Wales will now be considered.
"We have the quality of Liam Farrell, Luke Burgess and Ben Harrison who all sat on the sidelines against Wales. I can add them to my options. There is a healthy drive for competition within the squad and every player wants to play.
"It is a good position to be in and will give me some food for thought when I select my side for France later in the week."
McNamara is still monitoring the fitness of Wigan full-back Sam Tomkins, Castleford half-back Rangi Chase and Warrington utility player Stefan Ratchford.
