Mears could miss Heineken Cup action

Mears is already destined to miss England's games against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand next month as a result of a knee injury he sustained 11 days ago.

The 30-year-old was forced off the field during his side's Heineken Cup round one defeat to Ulster at Ravenhill, with tests since confirming that he suffered medial ligament damage to his left knee.

Mears, who started the first Test for the British & Irish Lions against the Springboks this summer, is expected to be out of action for between six and eight weeks.

A likely return date of early-mid December could see him figure in Bath's European double header against Edinburgh on the 13th and 19th of that month but only if his recovery goes to plan.

And even if Mears does respond well to treatment, he is unlikely to have had more than 80 minutes of game time in the lead up to the first of those must-win clashes at The Rec.