Alex Sanderson out for four months

England and Saracens forward Alex Sanderson's injury-ravaged career has suffered another major setback, with the 25-year-old set for four months on the sidelines after undergoing neck surgery.

Sanderson missed the start of this season due to neck trouble following his move to Saracens from Sale Sharks, and was hurt during his club's Zurich Premiership clash against Harlequins on Boxing Day.

But the latest injury - to his lower neck - is unrelated, and is bound to raise question marks over long-term career prospects.

"Obviously, this is disappointing news for Saracens and England," said Saracens coach Steve Diamond.

"But Alex will receive the best possible care and rehabilitation, and we are looking forward to seeing him back on the pitch soon.

"We will be looking at the squad over the next few weeks to determine our playing resources for the remainder of the season."

Sanderson, capped five times by England and a try-scorer on debut against Romania in 2001, did not appear for Saracens until mid-November because of his first injury.

But after just five appearances for his new club, he is battling to play again this season, dealing Saracens a fresh back-row injury blow, with England star Richard Hill also out until April, at the earliest, recovering from knee surgery.