Henry Slade's Shoulder Surgery Sets Back Exeter Chiefs

England's rugby centre Henry Slade is set to miss three to four months following shoulder surgery. The injury, sustained during the Six Nations and worsened in Japan and New Zealand, will see Slade sidelined for the new Premiership season starting Sep. 21. Exeter Chiefs' director Rob Baxter remains optimistic about his return.

England centre Henry Slade will be sidelined for three to four months after undergoing shoulder surgery, Exeter Chiefs director of rugby Rob Baxter announced on Friday.

Slade, 31, sustained the injury during the Six Nations earlier this year, further aggravating it during England's recent matches in Japan and New Zealand, Baxter revealed.

The surgery, performed earlier this week, was relatively complex, making it difficult to set a precise return date. Slade, who has earned 65 international caps, will miss the start of the Premiership Rugby season on Sep. 21 against Leicester Tigers but is expected to make a significant impact upon his return.

(With inputs from agencies.)