Moody came on in extra-time during the World Cup final

Moody has a stress fracture of the foot which is worse than first thought, meaning he is unlikely to be available before the end of February.

"The specialist said it would take four to six weeks on crutches but now it's going to be 10," he said.

"If I can get back into the squad for the last three games of the Six Nations, I'll be more than happy."

Moody, an extra-time replacement for Richard Hill in England's World Cup final win over Australia, has his right leg in a cast and his foot in a plastic shoe.

He has already been on crutches for five weeks and will stay on them for another three before seeing a specialist early next month.

Fortunately for me, the damage wasn't picked up Lewis Moody

Leicester believe he sustained the stress fracture in England's pre-World Cup training, and Moody admits he was fortunate not to miss the World Cup.

"Looking back, I can see that I was quite fortunate," he told the Daily Mail. "I first noticed it at Heathrow the day before we left for Australia.

"I had an unusual feeling in my ankle, like a locking sensation. I loosened it and then forgot about it until it became progressively worse during the tournament.

"I had it X-rayed and fortunately for me, the damage wasn't picked up, otherwise that would have been the end of my World Cup."

England's casualty list

His absence is the latest blow for England coach Sir Clive Woodward as he plans the defence of the Six Nations Grand Slam.

Leicester prop Julian White will almost certainly miss the entire campaign, while Bath centre Mike Tindall is unlikely to feature until the last two matches, if at all.

Centre Mike Catt is another concern, while Richard Hill, Phil Vickery, Iain Balshaw, Jonny Wilkinson and Matt Dawson are all currently still sidelined.

Woodward will also have to find a new captain should the expected retirement of Martin Johnson be confirmed on Saturday.