Phil Vickery will be out for three months after being told he requires a back operation.
Phil Vickery may not play again this season after the England prop was told he needs an operation to repair his injured back.
The Gloucester captain will have to go under the knife to relieve pressure on a nerve root which has been caused by disc protrusion.
The 29-year-old, who has already had surgery twice before on his back, was injured during the Cherry and Whites' recent Guinness Premiership victory over Saracens.
It is expected Vickery, who has won 47 caps for his country, will need at least three months of rehabilitation after surgery, meaning he will miss England's Six Nations campaign.
"In view of the fact he has had previous surgery in this area, his recovery and rehabilitation will be carefully monitored by his specialist and the Gloucester and England medical teams," stated Gloucester coach Dean Ryan.
"He faces three months' rehabilitation from the operation, and there is obviously a great likelihood it will disrupt the rest of his season.
"But we remain very positive that his outlook is bright."
The news is a second injury blow for England coach Andy Robinson, with the news that Olly Barkley will be out for six weeks with a dislocated thumb.
Robinson said the loss of Vickery for the Six Nations campaign will be a big blow, but said that he hoped he would come back stronger after his operation.
"Our best wishes will be with Phil on Saturday," said Robinson. "It shows what a fighter he is that he has twice come back from surgery, and we are hoping this operation is also successful.
"He is an outstanding member of the England squad and he will be sorely missed by us and Gloucester."
