England lock George Martin will miss the autumn Test series after being ruled out until at least January following shoulder surgery.
The 24-year-old Leicester Tigers second row has not played since being forced off the pitch in the Six Nations victory against France in February, with a combination of knee and shoulder injuries keeping him out.
He underwent surgery in the summer, but has now been ruled out for the “first half” of the Prem campaign, with Leicester’s 10th league fixture, which starts the second phase of the season, on the weekend of 24 January.
“As with any nerve injuries, the timeframe on George’s availability is slightly unknown, but to give George the best chance to perform, we know it won’t be during the first half of this season,” Parling told the club website.