Saracens statement: Ben Earl, Alex Lozowski, Elliot Daly injury update

Ben Earl will be available for the start of England’s Guinness Six Nations campaign after Saracens received a positive update on his knee problem which required an operation on Tuesday.

The back-rower, who became Steve Borthwick’s first choice Test-level No8 during the recent Rugby World Cup, sustained the injury to his right leg during the warm-up for last Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership victory over Harlequins and he left The Stoop on crutches, raising concerns that he might be facing a lengthy spell out.

However, a scan revealed medial meniscus damage which has now been repaired and he should be back in action for Saracens in January. “Ben had a minor knee procedure this morning. We anticipate he’ll be out for between four to six weeks. Overall I think that would be a good result,” said director of rugby Mark McCall.

Earl was one of two players to pull up lame in Saracens’ warm-up for a match they won convincingly 38-10. Elliot Daly, the back-rower’s fellow England World Cup teammate, also pulled out before the start while Alex Lozowski went off injured just minutes into the London derby.

Daly is already back in training ahead of next Saturday’s home game versus Bristol. However, Saracens confirmed that Lozowski suffered ACL damage that will need an operation. They also added that Callum Hunter-Hill will be back in around four months following his recent surgery.

A club statement read: “Following Saturday’s victory over Harlequins at the Twickenham Stoop, we can now provide further clarity on those who have recently sustained injuries:

“Ben Earl: Damaged his meniscus, had surgery on Tuesday and is looking to return in around six to eight weeks. Alex Lozowski: Has suffered an ACL injury and will have surgery next week to determine the severity.

“Elliot Daly: Pulled out of Saturday’s match as a precaution and is back in full training. Callum Hunter-Hill: Has had surgery and is expected to return in around four months.”