Leicester Tigers centre Anthony Allen has been ruled out for three months with a leg injury.
The 27-year-old had the problem assessed by the club's medical staff before it was decided that surgery is needed. He is now likely to return to action at the start of 2014.
Leicester continue their Heineken Cup campaign on Friday when they host Treviso in Pool 5.
The Tigers lost their opening fixture 22-16 against Ulster last weekend.
