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Injury blow for Sarries

Owen and de Kock facing lengthy spells out

Last updated: 14th January 2009

De Kock: Broke his arm against Bristol

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Saracens have been rocked by news that No.8 Michael Owen and scrum-half Neil de Kock face lengthy spells on the sidelines

Owen, who played for Wales at the 2007 World Cup, damaged his knee against Gloucester and has now been ruled out for the rest of the season after undergoing reconstruction surgery.

And de Kock could be out for up to three months after breaking his arm in the 37-13 victory over Bristol on Sunday.

Director of rugby Eddie Jones admitted: "It's a blow as Neil and Michael are very important members of the squad.

"Neil picked up the injury against Bristol and it says a lot about the man that he got to his feet to make a tackle despite having already suffered the injury.

"Michael picked up a knee injury against Gloucester and it proved to be more serious that we first thought. He's had to have reconstructive surgery and that will rule him out for the rest of the season.

"It's frustrating news as he has been playing very well for us this year.

"But the strength of your squad is determined by the depth of your squad and the other back rows and scrum halves in the team will need to step up. We have enough cover in the back row but with only two half-backs in the first-team squad, we may look to bring in another player as cover."