Exeter Chiefs have confirmed that prop Brett Sturgess faces up to three months on the sidelines with a broken arm.
The 31-year-old suffered the injury during the 12-12 draw with Bath on Saturday and head coach Rob Baxter has announced that Sturgess will undergo an operation.
"Sturge has broken his arm and he'll be having an operation today (Monday)," said Baxter. "It's a similar injury to the one he suffered last time but the other arm this time. He's likely to be out for eight, 10 or 12 weeks – it's a relatively serious injury.
"It's unfortunate for Sturge because the season has been going well for him, but at the same time it's an opportunity for someone else."
Exeter are currently seventh in the Aviva Premiership.