Wasps centre Stuart Abbott is set to miss the first two games of England's RBS 6 Nations defence.
Abbott, a member of Englands World Cup winning squad, is suffering from an ankle injury that will keep him out of action for several weeks, meaning he could miss the first two matches of the RBS 6 Nations Championship.
Abbott said: My main focus at the moment is to get my ankle healed. The injury will keep me out longer than expected.
The player does not expect to be fit for Englands opening game of the RBS 6 Nations against Italy in Rome on February 15 and the visit to Scotland on February 21.
He added: Its the same injury that occurred during the England v Barbarians game. Im hoping to return to action for our Powergen Cup game against the Pertemps Bees on February 29.
Im very disappointed and frustrated at not being able to play but these things happen.