England's injury problems are going from bad to worse, and Steve Borthwick could hardly have picked a worse time to lose three more players.

With Australia coming to Twickenham next Sunday, England suddenly have a serious problem at scrum-half and fly-half.

Alex Mitchell is the latest concern after limping off during Northampton's 28-14 win over Gloucester on Saturday.

And he's not the only Saints star giving Borthwick a headache.

Fin Smith and Archie McParland both missed the game through injury, leaving all three facing a race to be fit for England's Nations Championship opener on 8 November.

Three England stars face fitness race

Alex Mitchell – Hamstring

Mitchell lasted just 21 minutes against Gloucester before leaving the field.

The 29-year-old suffered another hamstring injury, having already endured three separate spells on the sidelines with similar problems this year.

Northampton director of rugby Phil Dowson confirmed the setback but could not say how long Mitchell would be unavailable.

"Mitch has hurt his hamstring but I don't know how bad," Dowson said.

"We have to be super careful with him and he knows his own body."

Mitchell's injury could leave England needing a new starting scrum-half against Australia.

Fin Smith – Calf

Smith is also facing a race against time.

The Northampton fly-half injured his calf during last weekend's defeat to Leicester Tigers.

He was subsequently replaced by Gloucester's Charlie Atkinson in England's training squad.

However, Smith has continued his rehabilitation with England and has not been ruled out of the Australia Test.

Borthwick is expected to give the 24-year-old until Wednesday to prove his fitness.

If Smith misses out, George Ford and Marcus Smith are the leading contenders for the number 10 shirt.

Archie McParland – Calf

Uncapped scrum-half McParland is another concern.

The 20-year-old suffered a calf injury during England training and missed Northampton's victory over Gloucester.

Dowson suggested his recovery could take longer than Smith's.

"Fin probably not as bad as Arch but it remains to be seen," he said.

"I haven't seen Arch moving around yet while Fin has been doing some bits."

McParland had been hoping to make his senior England debut during the November internationals.

England's injury list continues to grow

The three Northampton players are not Borthwick's only concerns.

• Benhard Janse van Rensburg: Unavailable indefinitely following repeated concussions.
• Chandler Cunningham-South: Sidelined by injury ahead of the November campaign.
• Guy Pepper: Ruled out of the autumn internationals.
• Kepu Tuipulotu: A major doubt after suffering a knee injury during England training.
• Fin Smith: Calf injury; facing a fitness assessment.
• Archie McParland: Calf injury; return date uncertain.
• Alex Mitchell: Hamstring injury; awaiting further assessment.

There is some better news for England.

Gloucester centre Seb Atkinson returned to action against Northampton, strengthening his chances of being available for the Wallabies clash.

England face Australia on 8 November, followed by Japan on 14 November and New Zealand on 21 November.

With the opening Test fast approaching, Borthwick has some difficult decisions ahead.

Pick your England XV to face Australia

With injuries piling up, who would you select for England's Nations Championship opener?

Should George Ford start at fly-half? Who replaces Mitchell if he misses out? And which Gallagher PREM players deserve an opportunity?

Use our interactive England XV selector below to pick your team and see how your choices compare with other RUCK readers.