Leicester Tigers number eight Opeti Fonua is expected to miss the next two months of action after breaking his arm.
The Tonga international, who appeared twice for his country at the recent Rugby World Cup, picked up the injury during Sunday's 24-16 victory against Wasps.
Tigers chief Richard Cockerill confirmed that the new recruit will now spend some time on the sidelines, but Tommy Bell, Sebastian de Chaves, Ed Slater and Graham Kitchener are all likely to be fit for next weekend's Premiership clash at Exeter Chiefs.
"He broke his arm tackling so is probably six to eight weeks from getting back, which is disappointing after a good start," Cockerill told BBC Sport. "But we will take a hungry squad to Exeter."
Leicester have kicked off their season with three league wins on the bounce to find themselves behind only Saracens in the early league standings.
