Australia international Matt Toomua ruled out of action for six months

Leicester Tigers' campaign in the 2016/17 season has suffered a major blow as Australian centre Matt Toomua will be facing a lengthy rehabilitation period following a knee injury.

The news is not an encouraging one for the 26-year-old, who recently made his debut with the English Premiership club after shifting from the Super Rugby club Brumbies.

The injury occurred in the 22nd minute of Leicester Tigers' European Champions Cup game against Racing 92 at Welford Road on Sunday. Incidentally, it was also his first home game in the season.

A tweet from Leicester Tigers revealed that Richard Cockerill had confirmed that Toomua now will undergo a knee surgery, which is likely to keep him out action for up to six months.

"Richard Cockerill confirms Matt Toomua having surgery on his knee and will be out for around six months. We wish him a speedy recovery," Leicester's tweet read.

In this season, Toomua has played just two games for Leicester Tigers, both coming in the European Champions Cup.

Leicester Tigers are already without England international Manu Tuilagi, who is recovering from a long-standing groin injury and now with Toomua sidelined, their depth in the squad will be surely tested.

Leicester Tigers are currently placed at third position in Pool 1 of the European Champions Cup with four points from two games and in the Aviva Premiership they are positioned at fourth after winning four out of the six games.