England wing Jack Nowell is expected to be sidelined for eight weeks after suffering a hamstring injury.
Nowell started England's Tests against South Africa and Japan earlier this month, and featured as a replacement in the one-point loss to world champions New Zealand.
But he was hurt during training ahead of England's autumn finale against Australia.
And he now faces a lengthy absence that will see him miss a number of European Champions Cup and Gallagher Premiership games for his club.
Nowell, who has won 29 caps, could be back in contention for the Six Nations – which England begin against Ireland in Dublin on 2 February – although he looks set for little, if any, game time ahead of the tournament starting.
"Jack's got a pretty significant hamstring tear," Exeter Chiefs rugby director Rob Baxter told the club's official website.
"It's one of those injuries which is likely to be around the eight-week mark, give or take a week, depending on how his rehab goes.
"Ironically, he should be back in time to fight for a place in the Six Nations!"
PA
