England scrum-half Harry Ellis could miss the World Cup with knee ligament damage.

Ellis will miss the rest of the domestic season after injuring his anterior cruciate ligament in Leicester's Guinness Premiership semi-final play-off win over Bristol on Saturday.

The 24-year-old is ruled out of this Saturday's Premiership final against Gloucester and the Heineken Cup final against Wasps next week and faces a long battle back to fitness.

The club are still to learn the seriousness of the injury but the worst-case scenario could see him sidelined for six months.

Tigers coach Pat Howard said: "It is a little too early to say how long Harry will be out for.  We will work with England's medical team to decide what is best for him."

Ellis could need surgery but a decision is yet to be made.

Howard added: "It will take a bit of time (to make a decision). It is now in the hands of the medics and I am sure they will do the best for Harry, both for the club and his country."

England already have World Cup injury doubts over Mike Tindall, Dan Ward-Smith and James Forrester.