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Anthony Watson has suffered a serious setback in his recovery from a ruptured Achilles' tendon.

The Bath Rugby, England and Lions star has re-injured the tendon, is back on crutches and needs a second operation, Somerset Live understands.

It means the 24-year-old is unlikely to play for club or country before the end of this year.

Watson suffered the original injury playing for England in their defeat to Ireland in the Six Nations at Twickenham on March 17.

The original prognosis was six months. After his first surgery and time on crutches he had recently been continuing the long road of rehabilitation at Farleigh House.

It is not clear whether the second injury happened while he was doing rehab or in his day-to-day life.

On his Instagram profile, Watson has reposted a picture of him leaving the Twickenham pitch in March with the comment "God's will", which has attracted words of support from friends, followers and fellow players...

Watson's absence at the start of next season means Tom Homer is the front-runner for the number-15 shirt.

When Watson had an injury-hit campaign in 2016/17, Homer played every minute of the first 16 Premiership matches.

His best season since joining the club from London Irish was then followed by one which was injury-ridden.

Former England under-20 international Darren Atkins, who made his Premiership debut last season, is another option at 15.

Bath have not yet revealed whether they will try to bring in injury dispensation cover for Watson. James Wilson also filled in at full-back last season, but he has now left the club after a contract offer was withdrawn.