Freeman says injured Saints team-mate Mitchell is 'going to be missed' by England
Tommy Freeman says Alex Mitchell 'is going to be missed' after it was announced the Saints scrum-half will miss England's November matches due to the injury he sustained last Saturday.
Mitchell was forced off in the 21st minute of the 28-14 Gallagher PREM win against Gloucester at DPD Stadium at Franklin's Gardens.
It was the fourth separate hamstring injury Mitchell had suffered during 2026 and he will now begin the recovery process again.
England return to action on Sunday as they host Australia in the Nations Championship before taking on Japan and New Zealand.
And Freeman, who was one of seven Saints stars named in the 36-man squad on Monday, was sad to see club-mate Mitchell have to miss out.
"It will definitely give him time to go after his rehab and get to the bottom of what is going on, find new solutions and ways to maximise his recovery," Freeman said.
"You don't want to see your mate and a player who is a massive part of this group out.
"He is going to be missed with his humour off the field and playing ability on it."
Archie McParland has also missed out on a place in the England squad due to injury, having recently suffered a calf problem.
But there remains hope that Fin Smith can recover from his own calf issue in time to face Australia this weekend.
"He's joining in with meetings and giving good points, so he's very much involved, and that shows the character he is," Freeman said.
England are set to name their team to take on the Wallabies on Friday.