Exeter Chiefs and England back Jack Nowell is expected to be fit for the Rugby World Cup after undergoing successful ankle surgery.

The British and Irish Lion limped out of the Premiership final defeat to Saracens at the start of this month after injuring himself attempting to tackle Sean Maitland.

Nowell underwent scans and the Chiefs revealed the versatile 26-year-old had an operation on his left ankle on Tuesday.

Exeter director of rugby Rob Baxter says Nowell should have recovered by the time the World Cup gets under way in Japan in September.

"Jack's had an operation on his ankle and at this stage we see no reason why it should jeopardise him being involved with England at the Rugby World Cup, nor with us heading into the new season," said Baxter.

Baxter did not specify how long Nowell may be out of action.