White also missed most of last year's Six Nations

White underwent knee surgery before Christmas for a cartilage problem, and will be sidelined for two months.

"Julian is a major concern with his knee injury, and he could be out for around seven to eight weeks," said Tigers boss Dean Richards.

"For Julian it's a probability, rather than a possibility, that he will miss the Six Nations."

With first-choice tighthead Phil Vickery currently struggling to shake off a rib injury, the absence of White's scrummaging skills is a major blow.

England's casualty list

There was more encouraging news for coach Clive Woodward though concerning Leicester's veteran hooker Dorian West.

The 36-year-old, an unused replacement during the World Cup final win over Australia, also had surgery for a knee problem two weeks ago.

But he is already close to a first-team return, despite missing Saturday's Zurich Premiership match against Gloucester.

"Dorian has made remarkable progress after his operation, and was very close to making the match, but we've decided to leave it for another week," said Richards.

Richards also reported that flanker Lewis Moody, recovering from a stress fracture to the foot, should be available for England by the end of the month.