Michele Campagnaro sidelined with injury for at least six months

Exeter Chiefs title defence in the upcoming Aviva Premiership has been dealt a major blow after Italy international Michele Campagnaro has been sidelined for a minimum of six months with a ligament injury.

The 6ft centre suffered the blow during the club's pre-season clash against Cardiff last weekend and has confirmed that he will undergo a surgery shortly.

"They are going to operate as soon as possible, once the swelling goes down," Campagnaro told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"As for getting back to competition, that could be six months or more, possibly eight or nine".

Campagnaro joined the Sandy Park outfit in 2015 from Treviso and has featured in 14 Aviva Premiership games since then. His standout performance came earlier this year when he scored six tries in four matches including a hat trick against Wasps.

The 24-year-old is unlikely to be available for Italy's November internationals and the Six Nations tournament to follow.

Exeter Chiefs are set to take on Gloucester Rugby at Kingsholm in the opening game of the 2017/18 season on Friday.