Croft had only just returned to competitive action after spending six weeks out with a similar knee problem.

This problem is expected to keep the 24-year-old out of action for five weeks meaning he will be unavailable for England’s clashes with Wales and Italy.

But Tigers boss Richard Cockerill insists he has little sympathy for the England manager.

"It's a blow to injure the same knee," said Cockerill.

"England manager Martin Johnson might be concerned about Tom's Six Nations situation; my only concern is that we won't have him in Swansea next weekend.

"I have my job to do, Martin has his. But Crofty is a world class player who hadn't seen action for ages. He needed playing time, so I had no qualms starting him."