Leicester Tigers are set to start their Heineken Cup campaign without top scoring outside half Andy Goode.
Goode is facing a six week lay off with a knee injury sustained during his sides 39-22 over London Irish last weekend.
He has been diagnosed with a ligament problem and is unlikely to play again until November giving coach John Wells a selection headache as preparations for the tenth season of Heineken Cup rugby begin in earnest.
The news is a major blow to the twice European champions with the Number 10 producing a series of inspirational early season displays. Goode has scored over 50 points in three matches and is the top scorer in the Zurich Premiership.
The Tigers face Italians Calvisano and French side Biarritz in their opening Heineken Cup matches.
"Losing Andy is exactly what we didn't want. He was making a significant impact through his distribution, his breaks and his kicking," said Wells.
"But this is a good chance for Ross. He did well in pre-season, and we've got 100% confidence in him," Wells told the Leicester Mercury.