EXETER Chiefs are keeping their fingers crossed that Immanuel Feyi-Waboso can avoid surgery and return to action within four to six weeks after suffering an ankle injury on England duty.

The 23-year-old winger was forced off during England’s 45-22 victory over Australia at Twickenham on Sunday after being caught by a knee-drop tackle from Wallabies prop Angus Bell.

He has already been ruled out of the remainder of the Nations Championship, but Chiefs head coach Rob Baxter is hopeful the damage is not as serious as first feared.

Feyi-Waboso, who has scored two tries in five appearances for Exeter this season, is due to see a specialist surgeon on Thursday for a detailed assessment of his injury.

Initial indications from both Exeter and England medical teams suggest an operation will not be necessary.

“He’s in here this morning, getting some treatment,” said Baxter. “He’s got an appointment tomorrow with the surgeon who’s going to give us a more detailed opinion on all the scan results.

“I think the balance of opinion at the moment, both from ourselves and England, is that he’s unlikely to require an operation, but I don’t want to confirm that until after tomorrow’s consultations.”

Baxter said a high ankle sprain would normally mean a minimum lay-off of four to six weeks, although much would depend on the specialist's findings.

He added: “Manny’s the kind of guy who might be running in a week’s time, and then that changes the whole timescale.

“It’s a little early to say too much until there’s a conversation tomorrow because everything could come out really, really positive or you could come out on a negative side.

“The difference between the two is a considerable amount of time. So, I don’t want to say too much and make a statement that was so far wrong it’s ridiculous.”