Leeds face hooker trouble after Titterrell ruled out for months

The 29-year-old injured his knee in training last week and yesterday had confirmation he has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.

Leeds are already without their first-choice hooker Steve Thompson who is currently on England duty and is likely to be so for the next three weeks.

Losing the experience of Titterrell – who will need surgery – is a cruel blow as they bid to climb off the foot of the Premiership, but more immediately they have been left short of options for Sunday's LC Cup fixture with his former club Sale Sharks.

The Yorkshire side have only one senior hooker available while Academy products Harry Hannan and Scott Freer are yet to make comebacks from their own injuries.

Leeds director of rugby Andy Key said: "We are bitterly disappointed for Andy.

"However, he will have the operation very soon and I am sure, given his nature and athletic strength that he will be battling to be back as soon as possible.

"Whilst we have suffered a number of injuries this season, this is only the second time that a serious injury has occurred in training, with Dan White breaking his leg earlier this year which makes it even more frustrating for Andy."

With Titterrell out until the final weeks of the season, Leeds could venture into the loan market to secure a replacement given the scarcity of fit hookers currently on their books.

"Unfortunately in the short-term, with Steve Thompson away with England, that only leaves us with Phil Nilsen to cover at hooker," continued Key.

"We have two very talented young hookers in Harry Hannan and Scott Freer but both are coming back from long-term injuries. In the case of Scott, hopefully he will get some rugby under his belt in the next week and I am sure he will be pushing for inclusion in the first team squad in due course.

"We have to make sure that we do not rush into a decision in case there are other options out there."

Titterrell, who has five England caps to his name, joined Leeds 12 months ago after being released by Gloucester and has just started to find his best form for the club who are in desperate need for a first Premiership win.

He signed a two-year deal in May having helped Leeds avoid relegation but has now suffered a major setback.