Leicester Tigers prop Ellis Genge will only return in 2019 after undergoing surgery on a knee injury suffered on international duty in the summer.
Front-rower Genge was part of the England squad on tour in South Africa but returned home before the third Test after picking up the injury.
Tigers head coach Matt O’Connor confirmed the news, saying: “Gengey has had the operation and everything went well from that point of view. He’s well into his rehab work now and then he’ll start fitness work and building up to play again.
“But he will miss the first phase of the season and we’re probably looking at him playing again in the new year at this stage. But he’s working hard on his recovery and will be god to go when he comes through that rehab.
“It is obviously very disappointing for him and for us, but I’m sure he’ll be raring to go once he gets back to full fitness and we know there’s still a lot to come from him.”