Chris Robshaw injury: Harlequins confirm Robshaw ruled out for four weeks with shoulder injury but will be fit for start of the Six Nations

Robshaw suffered a 'stinger' injury during Quins' 24-15 European Champions Cup victory over Leinster last weekend

Chris Robshaw has been ruled out for up to four weeks with a should injury (Getty Images)

England captain Chris Robshaw has been ruled out for up to four weeks with a shoulder problem, his club Harlequins have announced.

Robshaw sustained the injury in Sunday's 24-18 Champions Cup victory over Leinster and will spend a month on the sidelines, clearing him to lead England in the RBS Six Nations.

"Following consultation with a specialist, the Rugby Football Union and the Harlequins medical team, Robshaw is expected to return in three to four weeks", read a statement released by Harlequins.

Robshaw completed the win against Leinster despite suffering the 'stinger' to his shoulder and while surgery is not required, he is set to miss up to four matches.

If the 28-year-old's recovery progresses as expected, he will miss Saturday's return fixture in Dublin and also Aviva Premiership appointments with Northampton, London Welsh and Leicester.

The Champions Cup clash with Wasps on the third weekend of January offers his most likely route back to playing, with Quins completing their European group campaign against Castres a week later.

Robshaw helped England to victory over Australia in the final autumn international (Getty Images)

While a bitter blow to his club, the news that Robshaw's absence will be limited to three to four weeks will be welcomed by England.

The openside excelled while playing every minute of the recent autumn series against New Zealand, South Africa, Samoa and Australia and is the undisputed first choice in his position.

He will be at the helm when England open their Six Nations against Wales in Cardiff on February 6 and will almost certainly lead the assault on the 2015 World Cup.

PA