Rob Webber looks set to miss the rest of 2012 © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

Players/Officials: Stephen Donald | Rob Webber

Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Teams: Bath Rugby | England

Bath Rugby's Rob Webber looks set to be out of action until the New Year after being forced to undergo an operation on his shoulder.

Webber has been out of action since March and, according to the Bath Chronicle, is unlikely to play for his new side until the New Year. The operation will be Webber's second on his troublesome shoulder injury and although he is a new signing for Bath - after making the switch from Wasps at the end of last season - he will have to wait a while to pull on their shirt.

Bath coach Mike Ford confirmed the news saying: "Rob's had a second operation on his shoulder and we've got some other injuries. But that's the nature of the game and it means a door can open for another player. You've just got to get on the horse."

Webber Tweeted: "I'm gutted to be missing the start of the Premiership due to needing a shoulder op. Not the start i wanted in @bathrugby colours at all! Hopefully the operation combined with some solid rehab will fix the problem and i can crack on and get stuck in in BB&W for @bathrugby!"

Lee Mears is therefore likely to retain the No.2 jersey for their match with Worcester on Saturday. Bath are also going to be without Ryan Caldwell (knee), Stephen Donald (Achilles) and Tom Heathcote (knee) for the clash with the Warriors.

Bath boss Gary Gold hopes to have Stephen Donald back fit within the month. "Stephen's going to need some rehab but not an operation or be out for any extended period of time. He'll be training in the next couple of weeks and we'll hopefully have him back available for selection in three or four weeks."