The England vice-captain is currently recovering from a stress fracture to his right foot, and has not played since early December.

Bath centre Tindall has been wearing a special surgical boot as part of the recovery process, and the scan has now shown that he needs to continue wearing it until undergoing further checks in late January.

England's RBS 6 Nations opener is against Wales in Cardiff on February 5, before the world champions tackle France at Twickenham eight days later.

England head coach Andy Robinson has already lost flanker Richard Hill and centre Will Greenwood from his RBS 6 Nations plans through injuries, and Tindall's anticipated absence - at least from the early games - gives him a midfield headache.

It is understood that skipper Jonny Wilkinson is being considered for a switch from fly-half to inside centre, while candidates to replace Tindall would include Jamie Noon, Stuart Abbott and Ollie Smith.