Knee injury sidelines England lock Maro Itoje

Saracens have confirmed that England international Maro Itoje has been sidelined with a knee injury.

According to a statement released by the Gallagher Premiership club, it was revealed that the 24-year-old sustained the injury during the England duty in the autumn internationals and underwent a scan to assess the damage.

"Maro Itoje will be sidelined for a number of weeks after suffering a knee injury," Saracens said in a statement.

"The 24-year-old took a knock whilst on international duty with England, and scans have revealed a chip in his patella."

While how long Itoje will be out of action is yet to be known, he is certain to miss Saracens' European Champions Cup matches in the next two months and his participation in the Six Nations campaign for England is also under doubt.

Meanwhile, Saracens will receive a much needed boost with Mako Vunipola returning after recovery from a calf strain that kept him out of England's autumn internationals.