Gloucester Rugby and England back row forward Luke Narraway is set to undergo back surgery that could rule him out of the first four Rounds of the Heineken Cup.
The 2006 European Challenge Cup medal winner has been struggling with a back problem since the end of last season which saw him withdraw from an England training camp.
The 26 year old played in a pre-season friendly against Connacht in August but has been receiving treatment.
Bob Stewart, Gloucester Rugby's Head of Medical Services confirmed today:
"Luke has been bothered by a bulging disc for a little while now. We had hoped rest and recuperation would do the trick. However, we've now come to the conclusion, after specialist opinion, that surgery is the most appropriate management at this stage and have booked Luke in for early next week. We anticipate that his rehabilitation period will be approximately 12 weeks."
Gloucester will start their Pool 2 Heineken Cup campaign at home to Welsh region Newport Gwent Dragons on Friday, 9 October at 8.00 pm.
