England flanker Tom Croft could recover from his broken shoulder in time for the RBS 6 Nations opener against Wales but will miss Leicester’s upcoming Heineken Cup fixtures.
Croft has established himself as key part of Martin Johnson’s plans both for his lineout ability and his speed around the field demonstrated by a rampaging early burst against South Africa.
But his participation was brought to a halt inside the first half after a thundering hit on Juan Smith saw him carried from the field.
The 25-year-old will now see a specialist to what further action needs to be taken on his “fractured scapula” which can take six to eight weeks to heal.
His injury is the latest in a series of blows for English champions Leicester who have already seen lock Geoff Parling and flanker Ben Pienaar ruled out for the rest of the season.
“We have not had the best of luck with injuries this season and we will have to see what the fall-out is,” Leicester’s director of rugby,” Richard Cockerill, said.
“It is disappointing with the Heineken Cup coming up because missing guys like Tom can cost you games.”
However fly-half Toby Flood, who was also removed from the fray against the Springboks, is expected to be in the Tigers’ squad for their Aviva Premiership clash with London Irish this weekend.
