England captain Chris Robshaw is reportedly in danger of missing the Six Nations in February due to concerns that he may need shoulder surgery.
The 28-year-old has been ruled out of Harlequins' European Rugby Champions Cup clash at home to Leinster on Saturday.
According to The Express, Robshaw has been told by a specialist this week that he will need to go under the knife if his shoulder problem does not improve.
It is believed that Tom Wood or Dylan Hartley will take their teammate's captaincy for the tournament, which for England begins against Wales at the Millennium Stadium on February 6.
Robshaw has captained England in 31 of their last 34 Tests.