Billy Vunipola faces race to be fit for Six Nations after being ruled out for four months

Billy Vunipola will miss the autumn internationals and faces a race to be fit for the Six Nations in February after he was ruled out for four months with a knee injury.

Vunipola was forced from the field with a knee injury during Saracens' 41-13 victory over Sale Sharks on Saturday.

Scans on Sunday revealed cartilage damage and Saracens confirmed that they expect to be without the No 8 for four months.

A statement from the club read: "Vunipola underwent surgery this morning (Sunday) on his right knee to repair his meniscus. It is expected Vunipola will undertake a period of rehabilitation over the next 16 weeks."

Meanwhile, Mark McCall, Saracens Director of Rugby, said: “For any team to lose a player of the ability of Billy is a blow and he will be missed through the autumn for both Saracens and England.  It’s desperately disappointing for him, considering how hard he has worked during the offseason to get back to full fitness, but Billy is a resilient character and he’ll have a strong support network around him to get him back on the field in the best possible shape.

“What’s now important for Billy is his recovery and we look forward to his return later this season.”