England will have to do without flanker Tom Wood for the first two matches of the RBS 6 Nations after he injured his big toe.
The 25-year-old was one the leading candidates to takeover as England skipper after Lewis Moody's decision to retire but may now have missed his opportunity.
The Northampton Saints star will miss the trips to Scotland and Italy, with Harlequins captain Chris Robshaw the favourite to lead the team out at Murrayfield on February 4 for the tournament opener.
Wood will have to wear a protective boot for the next four weeks and won't be available for England duty until they play host to Wales on February 25.
"There is never a good time to be injured and I'm obviously very disappointed," said Wood.
"An injury in one area is also an opportunity to develop strengths and improve in others."
Interim England coach Stuart Lancaster already has a number of injury concerns to deal with and may be forced to hand a debut to Calum Clark or Ben Morgan in Wood's absence.