But the London Irish tight-head has continued to struggle with the problem and his director of rugby at the Exiles, Brian Smith, has revealed the full extent of the injury.

“Unfortunately for Corbs he had further surgery. The information our medical team have been given is that it is likely to be a ten-week injury," he said.

“I'd like to think he could get back on the park for us before the end of the season. There are still major question marks about that. He has a significant injury and he needs to be managed well.”

Tuilagi meanwhile has been struggling with an ankle knock for the last couple of weeks and has failed in his bid to be fit in time for the Calcutta Cup encounter but should be back in time for the Ireland clash the week after. 

There was better news however for Lancaster regarding Alex Goode, the Saracens full-back returning from a shoulder injury to play the first hour against Cardiff Blues in the LV= Cup on Sunday.

Goode, who was one of the stars of England’s autumn international series, faces a real battle for the starting No.15 shirt against Scotland with both Mike Brown and Ben Foden for competition.

But after making his return from the shoulder problem unscathed the Sarries man insists he is up for the battle.

“I feel really good. There was a bit of apprehension - you always go into a situation like that a bit unsure at times,” he said.

“But I'd done all the training, I'd tested the shoulder to the max and the physios had done a great job. I felt 100 per cent going into the game and the shoulder came through really well. I was very happy.

“Now it's up to (coach) Stuart Lancaster but I'm fit. I've got to train well this week and put myself on the radar."

Harlequins' winger Ugo Monye has also been drafted into the 33-man training squad as Freddie Burns remains at Gloucester for treatment, with a knee problem.