Joe Marler has been told he has a fracture to his lower leg

England prop Joe Marler is likely to be ruled out until at least midway through the 2017 Six Nations with a broken leg, Harlequins have confirmed.

Following an MRI scan, the loosehead prop has been told he has a fracture to his lower left leg, with his club reporting on Wednesday that he will be sidelined for around five weeks.

The 26-year-old pulled-up during the warm up of their match against Sale on Saturday.

England begin their Six Nations campaign against France at Twickenham on February 4, which means Marler is unlikely to be fit for this crunch fixture.

Chris Robshaw has been ruled out of the Six Nations

Eddie Jones has already lost prop Mako Vunipola for the start of the tournament because of a knee injury, meaning Ellis Genge of Leicester could earn his second England cap next month.

Former captain Chris Robshaw has already been ruled out for the entire competition because he requires shoulder surgery, while No 8 Billy Vunipola is currently recuperating from a knee operation.