It was initially thought the 22-year-old would be back on the field in September but his return has now been put back until October and once fit he could immediately be called upon by England.

England host Fiji, Australia and South Africa at Twickenham in November before taking on New Zealand in December and Cockerill admits he may have to do without his scrum-half until then.

“Ben has had surgery and he is having holiday time at the minute, which is important,” Cockerill told the Leicester Mercury. 

“He will miss the first rounds of the Heineken Cup, which is not ideal because you want your best players playing in the biggest games.

“When he is fit, he will be back on the field. It is typical that he will get fit and then we will lose him to the autumn internationals.”