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Ollie Chetham is seriously doubtful for the Autumn opener against New Zealand on November 2 due to a knee problem.
Chessam was injured during the team’s training camp in Girona last week and the PA news agency understands he is undergoing tests, the final result of which should be known on Sunday.
The 24-year-old is currently sweating the prospect of being available for the All Blacks’ visit to Allianz Stadium, as well as the remaining games against Australia, South Africa and Japan.
If ruled out, Leicester’s back five forwards would be a big loss for head coach Steve Borthwick.
Chetham provides an option in the second and back rows and has performed well in this year’s Six Nations, with impressive performances against Ireland and France at blindside flanker.
He was due to tour Japan and New Zealand in the summer in hopes of increasing his cap count to 23, but was sidelined by shoulder and thumb problems that required surgery.
He could face another long break in his Test career after receiving one of 17 enhanced Elite Player Squad contracts announced on Friday.
Northampton scrum-half Alex Mitchell has already been ruled out for the autumn with a neck injury, and it is unclear when George Ford and Fraser Dingwall will return.
Center Henry Slade will aim to prove his fitness following shoulder surgery in his first appearance of the season when Exeter take on Harlequins on Sunday.
