England face a World Cup waiting game on flying back Jack Nowell after he underwent ankle surgery.

His club side Exeter confirmed on Wednesday that the operation was successful, and said “at this stage we see no reason” why Nowell’s World Cup hopes should be jeopardised.

England’s opening World Cup warm-up fixture is against Wales on August 11, and their first tournament match is an appointment with Tonga in Sapporo six weeks later.

It is understood Nowell, who has scored 13 tries in 33 appearances for England, could be fit again by mid to late August.

Nowell, an important part of Australian Eddie Jones’ World Cup plans, was injured in the domestic Premiership final against Saracens earlier this month.

The 26-year-old, who had an outstanding game at Twickenham despite Exeter’s defeat, went off midway through the second half after attempting to tackle Saracens wing Sean Maitland.

In a statement, Exeter said: “Nowell underwent initial scans on both his knee and ankle in the aftermath of the final.

“Since then, the Cornishman has been away on holiday with his family, after which he has returned to Exeter and underwent surgery on his ankle on Tuesday.”