Tommaso Menoncello is set to miss Italy’s Nations Championship campaign after suffering a shoulder injury against Exeter Chiefs.

The Toulouse centre went off in the 43rd minute of Sunday’s 43-40 Champions Cup win. He suffered a sprain in his left shoulder, which is expected to keep him out for several weeks.

It means Menoncello is likely to miss Italy’s autumn games.

It is another setback for the 24-year-old, who joined Toulouse over the summer. He picked up an injury in their first Top 14 game against La Rochelle before returning to action against Castres in early October.

Toulouse are also without Thomas Ramos and Julien Marchand. Both players are doubts for the November Tests. Ramos has been out since early October and is due to undergo more tests.

Menoncello is one of the brightest young talents in world rugby. He was named Six Nations Player of the Championship in 2024 after a series of fine displays for Italy.

Italy enjoyed a strong Six Nations campaign this year, beating both Scotland and England. However, they lost all three of their summer games against Japan, New Zealand and Australia.

Head coach Gonzalo Quesada must now prepare for the autumn without one of his key players. Italy will be keen to climb the table and avoid finishing bottom of their group.

The team that finishes last in the northern hemisphere group will face the bottom side from the southern hemisphere group. The match will decide who takes the overall wooden spoon.

Italy face a tough run of games this autumn. They will play South Africa, Argentina and Fiji before travelling to London for the Nations Championship Finals Weekend.

Menoncello is the latest big name to face a spell on the sidelines. His injury adds to growing concerns over player welfare and the demands of an increasingly busy rugby calendar.

Injured players for the Nations Championship

The Nations Championship is almost here, but some big names will miss out.

England, Ireland, France and New Zealand have all been hit by injuries.

Here are five stars who are either ruled out or facing a race to get fit.

1. Thomas Ramos (France)

France face a huge blow ahead of their November Tests.

Thomas Ramos has suffered a setback with a thigh injury.

The Toulouse star is a key man for France. His skill, pace and goal-kicking make him hard to replace.

He is now expected to miss the autumn Tests, leaving France with a big gap to fill.

2. Caelan Doris (Ireland)

Ireland will be without captain Caelan Doris this autumn.

The Leinster star hurt his foot in June. He also had knee surgery, but his recovery has not gone to plan.

Doris will miss the Nations Championship as he works his way back to full fitness.

It is a huge blow for Andy Farrell, who must now find a new leader in the back row.

3. Ruben Love (New Zealand)

All Blacks star Ruben Love will miss the rest of 2026.

The 25-year-old has an ankle injury and needs surgery.

Love had played through pain for much of the year before the injury got worse.

He will now miss New Zealand's autumn tour of Europe.

His absence leaves the All Blacks short of another key option in the backs.

4. Sam Underhill (England)

England flanker Sam Underhill will miss the Nations Championship.

The Bath star tore his biceps during a match against Harlequins in September.

He needed surgery and could be out until January.

It is a cruel blow for the 30-year-old, who has faced a tough run of injuries.

Steve Borthwick must now plan for the autumn without one of his best tacklers.

5. Jack Conan (Ireland)

Ireland have been hit by another injury blow.

Jack Conan hurt his shoulder while scoring a try for Leinster against Clermont.

The 34-year-old had to leave the field and now faces time on the sidelines.

His injury comes at the worst time for Andy Farrell.

With Caelan Doris already out, Ireland could be without two key back-row stars.

Conan has not yet been ruled out of the Nations Championship.