England
Foden injury adds to Lancaster's Six Nations concerns
ESPN Staff
November 30, 2013
Ben Foden is the latest injury concern for England boss Stuart Lancaster © Getty Images
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Northampton Saints boss Jim Mallinder has confirmed Ben Foden is expected to be out for 12 weeks after suffering a knee injury in last week's 18-0 victory over Newcastle Falcons.

The injury makes Foden, who played twice on the wing for England during the autumn internationals, a doubt for the start of England's Six Nations campaign, which kicks off against France on February 1. Stuart Lancaster already has concerns about the fitness of Tigers duo Geoff Parling and Manu Tuilagi as well as London Irish wing Marland Yarde.

And though Mallinder admitted to BBC Radio Northampton that Foden was in an optimistic mood he does not share his full-back's confidence of a speedy return to full fitness.

"Ben is a quick healer so he thinks he can get back before then but you cannot rush these things," he said.

"He's in a positive frame of mind. It could have been worse, it could have been better."

Mallinder also told the Northampton Chronicle: "I think it will be around the 12-week mark that Ben will be out for. It's very unfortunate for him. He's very confident he can get back before then, he's always positive, which is good, so we'll have to see how that goes.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

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