Bristol fear prop Jason Hobson may not play again this season.

The England tighthead, capped on last summer's tour to New Zealand, is struggling with a neck injury which may require surgery to rectify the problem.

Head coach Richard Hill said: "We are waiting to see if Jason needs surgery.

"He is not getting much better at the moment. That's a worry. He is due to see a specialist and we will have to see if he can avoid surgery,

"Jason is on high pain killers at the moment."

Bristol are currently without their first-choice front row. Loosehead Alex Clarke is suffering from a neck/shoulder problem that should keep him out for another five weeks, but hooker Mark Regan's pulled calf muscle is not as bad as first feared and – instead of being sidelined for four to six weeks – he is likely to miss three to four weeks of action.

Hill added: "Alex could be out for another five weeks. He's lost power in his neck and right shoulder muscles, which is not good. He cannot tackle or scrummage properly.

"It is not as bad for Mark Regan. He's pulled his calf muscle and that's going to be three to four weeks out."