Tom Croft 's hopes of making the World Cup are in doubt as the Leicester Tigers flanker faces up to six months out of action following surgery to a dislocated shoulder . Croft , who was on the bench for England 's first three games of the RBS 6 Nations , suffered the injury during Leicester 's Aviva Premiership victory against Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park on March 8 . The Leicester Mercury reports that Croft has undergone surgery on the injury and now faces between four to six months out of action . England and Leicester flanker Tom Croft is facing up to six months out of action with a dislocated shoulder . Croft scores a try for the British and Irish Lions against the New South Wales Waratahs in June 2013 . It is the latest in a long list of injury setbacks for the talented backrower who started five British and Irish Lions Tests spanning the 2009 and 2013 tours to South Africa and Australia respectively . Croft 's season with the Tigers is definitely over , but it also doubtful the the blindside will make it back in time for England 's pre-season preparations before the World Cup in September . Stuart Lancaster 's side face Fiji in the tournament curtain-raiser on Saturday , September 18 . Croft ( left ) suffered the injury during Leicester 's Aviva Premiership victory against Newcastle on March 8 .
Stuart Lancaster 's dislocated his shoulder playing for Leicester on March 8 . Croft faces between four to six months out of action . England begin their World Cup preparations in early July . Tom Croft side will play their opening World Cup game against Fiji on Saturday , September 18 .