Former England captain Lewis Moody could be out of action for up to 12 weeks after undergoing shoulder surgery.

Bath flanker Moody, 33, suffered the injury during the 16-7 English Premiership defeat by Worcester on November 25.

Moody, who retired from tests following England’s lacklustre World Cup campaign where he was subsequently criticised for poor leadership and failing to stamp out a drinking culture, has been beset by injury problems since moving to Bath last year.

Eye and knee injuries have limited him to just 13 league appearances and four in the European Cup for the west country club following his move from Leicester.

“I’m just gutted for the player himself,” Bath assistant coach Brad Davis told BBC Radio Bristol.

“He came back enthusiastic in training but I’m sure he’s going to give loads off the field now to keep himself occupied.

“It’s disappointing but what can you do? He’s always played the game that way, he’s always going to pick up knocks.”  

Bath will have flanker Francois Louw and fly-half Stephen Donald available for Sunday’s European Cup clash with holders Leinster.