Rob Baxter hopes Exeter Chiefs flanker Tom Johnson can return invigorated after confirming he needs a neck operation.
And the Sandy Park head coach believes the 32-year-old can still play his way into Stuart Lancaster's plans for next year's World Cup.
Johnson has not played since England's tour to New Zealand in June because of a neck issue, with Exeter's medical team hoping a period of rehabilitation would cure it.
But a trip to see a specialist last week has led to him being booked in for surgery on Tuesday, with Johnson expected to be out of action for around 10-12 weeks afterwards.
Baxter said: "It's one of those awkward ones where there's a balance between waiting to see if rehab sorts it out or operate and try to get some immediate results.
"Having spoken to the surgeon and then the surgeon having some debates with our medical staff, because it's a relatively straightforward one about trimming a bit of bone to free up a nerve the consensus has been to get the operation done and give Tom the best chance to be good long-term, so do it now rather than wait and see.
"Part of the consideration has been that Tom has had two or three seasons where he's been on England tours so he's had less proper pre-season time than the other guys. Doing it now ticks a few boxes in that it gives him an extended pre-season period and deals with his neck at the same time."
Johnson started 20 games for the Chiefs last term, featuring in every position across the back-row.
He also won three England caps, but will miss the autumn series of internationals and only return around a month before the start of the Six Nations.
However, as he should be fresh in the second half of the campaign to press his claims, Baxter thinks Johnson could still feature in next year's World Cup in England.
"I don't see any reason why he can't play himself into contention for England," said Baxter.
"The important thing is to perform with quality and to do that you need to be fit, you need to be strong and you need to feel comfortable with your body.
"It all sounds a negative when you're not playing, but this could work out to be a positive for Tom because he'll be confident going into contact and feel fit, feel fresh and feel strong."
In Johnson's absence, Dave Ewers, Thomas Waldrom and Ben White have made the back-row spots their own.
And with skipper Dean Mumm – who is mainly a lock but has featured as a flanker several times – nearing fitness, Baxter is happy with Exeter's resources in the back row.
"James Scaysbrook has played a lot of good rugby for us and has had limited opportunities recently," he said.
"Sam Simmonds played really well in pre-season for us and is an out-and-out openside.
"Kai Horstmann played a lot of good rugby for us last year, Don Armand has played right across the back five and the guys who are currently there are playing really well.
"We're also going to have some options pretty soon with Dean Mumm being fit, who has played a fair bit in the back row for us.
"We've got some good options there so hopefully that will allow us to get through the next two to three months, and then it will be like having a new player back."
