England and Gloucester star Phil Vickery will see a back specialist tomorrow as he races to be fit for the RBS Six Nations opener on Febraury 15.

The tighthead prop has missed the last two Zurich Premiership clashes after injuring his back during training on January 24.

Vickery, 26, told The Sun, "It's all so damned frustrating. I stepped back from a scrum and felt a twinge. The next thing my lower back went into spasm.

"Gloucester's medical team are convinced it's not a disc problem but by seeing a specialist I can have the lot checked.

"Compared with a few days ago it feels a lot better. I'd love to be able to play against Bath on Saturday but I'll wait until I've been given the overhaul. I'll have an X-ray on Tuesday then see the specialist 24 hours later.

"The back will be scnned to make sure about the joints and the discs but I'm familiar with the type of pain it creates, a muscular pain more than anything.

"When I first did it, I couldn't even drive, let alone play. That's what's so annoying, there was no contact. I didn't get whacked in a tackle or go down under a pile of bodies - I just took one step backwards."

Gloucester chief Nigel Melville warned, "In my opinion he needs to play against Bath or forget the game against France. I can't see how a player can step up into the cauldron of Test match rugby after three weeks without a game."

Vickery didn't train with his England teammates yesterday to leave manager Clive Woodward with a front-row crisis.

Bristol tighthead Julian White wrenched a knee last weekend, while Saracens loose head props Trevor Woodman and David Flatman are also injured.

If Vickery and White fail to recover Jason Leonard, who is set for his 100th Test appearance, and Graham Rowntree are set to pack down against France.