England captain Lewis Moody is likely to miss his side's first three Six Nations games after being ruled out for six weeks with a knee ligament injury.

Moody limped off during the second half of his club Bath's European Cup victory over Italian side Aironi last Saturday and the former Leicester flanker is set to miss England's opening Six Nations matches against Wales, Italy and France.

England manager Martin Johnson has already been dealt injury blows, with lock Courtney Lawes (knee) and flanker Tom Croft (shoulder) confirmed absentees.

Moody, 32, has won 66 England caps, and his absence will be keenly felt by Johnson.

Harlequins No.8 Nick Easter would be favourite to take over as skipper.

England launch their Six Nations campaign against Wales in Cardiff on February 4.

Bath head coach Steve Meehan said: "Lewis took a knock to his knee at the weekend which is slightly more serious than first thought.

"It is frustrating for us to lose him at this stage in the season, but it does mean that other players in the squad get the opportunity to come on in his place and show us what they can do.

"We will of course make sure he receives the best medical attention to get him back on the field as, and when, he's ready."

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