England are already without key figures Tom Croft and Courtney Lawes but Meehan believes the talisman won’t be with them on the sidelines.

Meehan said: “He’s twisted his knee and at this stage he’s very confident that it’s something not particularly serious or sinister.

“He doesn’t seem too concerned – it may be a week out – but he seems quite confident. I’ve not spoken to the medical team but he will keep it iced and elevated.”

The injury was particularly bad timing with Moody having started to hit his stride with Bath – the club he joined from English champions Leicester in the summer.

And the 32-year-old, one of the few England players to have tasted a Six Nations triumph back in 2003, is adamant he will be back to lead his country.

“I am having a scan today,” he said. “I have absolutely no concerns about the game against Wales. I will be fine.”