Carter Gordon facing two months out after leg fracture

Wallabies flyhalf Carter Gordon is expected to spend about two months on the sidelines after suffering a leg fracture during Australia's 28-28 draw with Argentina in Mendoza. Australian Associated Press reported that scans conducted after the match revealed the injury, which occurred late in the contest as Gordon attacked the line.

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The projected recovery period would rule the 25-year-old out of Australia's Test against world champions South Africa in Perth on September 26. He is also expected to miss the two-Test Bledisloe Cup series against New Zealand the following month, removing the Wallabies' first-choice playmaker for a demanding section of their schedule.

There remains hope that Gordon could recover in time for Australia's match against England at Twickenham on November 8, according to the AAP report. That target is not certain, however, and will depend on how his rehabilitation progresses over the coming weeks.

Gordon had established himself as the preferred flyhalf under Wallabies coach Les Kiss, although Ben Donaldson started in the position against Argentina for the first time in two years. Donaldson will be among the candidates to retain the jersey while Gordon is unavailable, with Tom Lynagh also nearing a return from a lengthy injury absence.

Lynagh is expected to play for the Queensland Reds against the Western Force in Super Rugby AU on Saturday. Declan Meredith, who has started three Tests this year and travelled on the Argentina tour, is another option, while Harry McLaughlin-Phillips could strengthen his case after joining the Force. Veteran flyhalves James O'Connor and Bernard Foley are due to return to Super Rugby Pacific next year but will not participate in Super Rugby AU.

The setback continues a difficult injury sequence for Gordon. A serious back problem disrupted his spell in rugby league, and he has dealt with further leg issues since returning to rugby union a little over a year ago. His absence now leaves Australia weighing its alternatives at flyhalf as the team prepares for South Africa and the Bledisloe Cup.