Northampton and England flanker Tom Wood could miss the start of the Six Nations with a foot injury.
The 25-year-old, who is being widely tipped to be named the new Elite England captain, has picked up a foot problem which could rule him out for two weeks, according to the Daily Mail.
England interim coach Stuart Lancaster may have to go back to the drawing board when looking for a leader within his 32-man squad, announced yesterday.
Retired Jonny Wilkinson's replacement Toby Flood is also struggling with a strain, which could force him out of the national side's opening Six Nations fixture against Scotland on February 4.