London Wasps have lost centre Dom Waldouck for the rest of the season after he split his Achilles tendon on the weekend.
The 23-year-old high-rated midfield player picked up the injury during Wasps defeat to London Irish in the English Premeiership and will miss the former European Cup Champions' Amlin Challenge Cup last eight-match against Harlequins on Friday evening.
The injury also puts into doubt Waldouck's chances of a World Cup place.
"He snapped his Achilles. I don't know what the recovery time is for that but it's a long time," said director of rugby Leon Holden.
"It's normally about six months. He's pretty upset. There was no one around him, we had a look on the tape.
"But he'll come back, he's a pretty tough guy."
London Wasps will be looking to repeat their former European triumphs which include lifting the Heineken Cup in 2004 and 2007 as well as top honours in the Amlin Challenge Cup in 2003 when they face compatriots Harlequins in this year's quarter-final.
"It's a huge must win game," added Holden.
"We'll only have one training run on Wednesday so with all the injuries it'll all be down to good old-fashioned guts."