England international Anthony Watson sidelined by knee injury

England international Anthony Watson has been sidelined until the new year after suffering a knee ligament injury while playing for his club Bath in the recently concluded Champions Cup clash against Harlequins last weekend.

The 25-year-old, who has part of England's World Cup campaign in Japan featured for 78 minutes during the match at Twickenham Stoop which the Recreation Ground outfit went on to lose 15-9.

Bath director of rugby Stuart Hooper said the injury is not as serious as they once thought and he might return to training around the new year.

Meanwhile, lock Charlie Ewels also suffered a similar injury during the game against the Quins after playing 57 minutes in the match.

"The collision-based demands of our game are tough and it is never easy to see a player leave the field with an injury," said Hooper.

"We are pleased however that in Anthony's case, his injury is not as serious as first thought.

"Both Anthony and Charlie will now work with our performance department in order to come back stronger and perform at their very best when the time is right".

Bath are positioned eighth in the Gallagher Premiership table with two wins from four matches and will lock horns with Saracens in the fifth round at Recreation Ground on Friday.