Leicester flanker Ilione out for up to three months

Emeka Ilione is a former England Under-20 captain

Leicester Tigers back-rower Emeka Ilione has been ruled out for up to three months after suffering a shoulder injury.

The 23-year-old had scans after Tigers' narrow victory against Sale Sharks on Saturday - a game in which he added to his fast-growing reputation by coming off the bench to grab a crucial try.

The injury came just days after he was called up for a three-day England training camp ahead of the forthcoming autumn internationals.

Tigers head coach Geoff Parling confirmed that Ilione would be out for "two to three months", ruling him out contention for a potential England debut this year.

"I'm obviously bitterly disappointed for him as he has started the season strongly, was adding a great voice and intensity during training, and had just been called in to train with England," Parling told the club website.

Three months out would mean Ilione could miss as many as 12 Tigers games, including five Prem fixtures as well as the entire European Champions Cup group stage.

Until now the back row, who is also in his final year as a medical student, has featured in all of Tigers' league games this season and only recently told BBC Radio Leicester that he is "the strongest and fittest" he has been during his attention-grabbing young career.

Ilione had a breakout campaign with Leicester last season, with his try in their Premiership final defeat by Bath the highest-profile example of how the Mansfield-born player is fast realising his potential at Mattioli Woods Welford Road.

The back row was recently praised for his power and intelligence by Steve Borthwick, who Ilione worked under when the England head coach was in charge of Tigers.