WASPS wing Christian Wade faces six months on the sidelines after injuring his ankle in the win over London Irish on Saturday.

Wade was playing his first game since injuring a hamstring training for England but had to be helped from the pitch after 76 minutes after going over on his ankle.

After the match director of rugby Dai Young said he wasn't sure how long the winger would be out for, but a scan today has revealed ligament damage that will require surgery.

Young said "It is devastating news for both the player and the club.

"Christian was hugely unlucky to miss out on being capped this autumn with England and he had hoped to push on and put in some good performances for Wasps to get him in contention for Six Nations selection.

"It is a huge blow for him but he is a young player with a huge future and his time will come around again.”

Wade made his England breakthrough during the summer tour to Argentina and was due to make his home debut against the same opponents during the Autumn internationals.

However, he injured his hamstring training with his country in the days before the Test and didn't recover in time to face the All Blacks a week later.

A Wasps statement said: "London Wasps winger Christian Wade faces up to six months on the sidelines following an injury to his foot sustained in last weekend’s game against London Irish.

"Wade will have surgery to repair significant ligament damage to his mid-foot area."