The Bath full-back suffered a groin injury during club training and faces a scan on later this week.

Balshaw won his 22nd cap during the 19-13 defeat against Ireland and Sir Clive Woodward is due to name his squad for the Wales game on Thursday.

Either Josh Lewsey or Jason Robinson would appear to be better bets than Balshaw in the full-back position on current form, but any selection decision might now have already been made for Woodward.

Balshaw was to feature in Bath Uniteds A League match against London Irish, but those hopes have now been dashed.

Iain has hurt his groin, said Bath coach John Connolly. He would have played on Saturday, but could now be sidelined for seven to 10 days.

Chris Mallac, Baths head of physical preparation, added: It is pretty sore, and Iain will be going for a scan on Friday when everything has died down.

I would expect the scan to show that he has a grade one mild strain, but we will have to wait and see.

The Wales fixture is in just 10 days time, and the England squad will assemble at their Surrey training base on Monday, when Woodward is likely to announce his starting XV.

Balshaw, 24, has been an ever-present in Englands RBS 6 Nations side this season.

England centre Mike Tindall is set to play a half of the United game as he continues his comeback from a serious ankle injury, suggesting the World Cup star might be involved against Wales.

Lock Danny Grewcock, who missed the Ireland match through injury, will not be involved this weekend but is expected to be fully fit for consideration to meet Wales.