Feyi-Waboso awaits ankle specialist as Exeter hope to avoid surgery

Exeter Chiefs are awaiting a specialist's assessment of Immanuel Feyi-Waboso's ankle injury, with Rob Baxter cautiously hopeful the England winger will avoid surgery. Devon Live reported that Feyi-Waboso is due to see a surgeon on Thursday to review his scans. Baxter said the current view from club and country favoured treatment without an operation, but that remained unconfirmed.

Watch the highlights:

The injury has ruled Feyi-Waboso out of England's remaining autumn Nations Championship matches. He hurt his right leg during Sunday's 45-22 victory over Australia at Twickenham and was replaced at half-time. According to Devon Live, the injury occurred in a tackle by Australian prop Angus Bell, who received a yellow card for the challenge.

Baxter said a significant high ankle sprain could mean a minimum absence of four to six weeks, while stressing that it was too soon to set a return date. Feyi-Waboso was back at Exeter receiving treatment on Wednesday. The consultation will help determine his next steps, rather than simply confirm a recovery timetable already agreed by the club.

BBC Sport reported that the setback adds to several availability problems in Exeter's back three. Campbell Ridl is expected to miss most of the season because of a knee ligament injury, while Tommy Wyatt remains about a month from fitness following an ankle problem. Paul Brown-Bampoe returned in last week's Prem Rugby Cup defeat by Bath after summer heel surgery.

Those absences have led Exeter to use centre Zack Wimbush in a wider role in recent weeks. Dallas McLeod has also arrived following his summer move from New Zealand, providing another option. Baxter told BBC Sport he hoped the club could avoid further injuries during the international period while giving returning players match time in the cup competition.

Discussing Feyi-Waboso's injury record with Devon Live, Baxter compared the physical demands of his approach with those faced by former Exeter player Jack Nowell. He said players who power through tackles can expose their lower limbs to awkward forces as they twist and break contact. Baxter remained hopeful of having the winger involved again before the Six Nations period.