England prop Andrew Sheridan has been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup after injuring his shoulder in the opening match against Argentina.
Sheridan has had two operations on his left shoulder and returned from right shoulder surgery for England's final World Cup warm-up against Ireland.
The Sale loose-head, 31, will return home for further treatment.
"It's sad for Sheri, he's been unlucky. We brought five props so have options," said England boss Martin Johnson.
England will decide on a replacement in due course but Sheridan will not be allowed to return to rejoin the squad in New Zealand.
Sheridan, a member of the 2009 British and Irish lions squad, is considered one of the world's most powerful props and won his 40th Test cap in the 13-9 win over Argentina in Dunedin on Saturday.
