Borthwick back soon - Saracens

Saracens say their captain Steve Borthwick hopes to return from injury "soon".

Speculation is rife that England skipper Borthwick will not play again this season because of a knee injury that sidelined him from the RBS 6 Nations finale against France in Paris last weekend.

A statement posted on Saracens' official club website read: "Steve Borthwick sustained an injury to his left knee while playing for England against Scotland in the Six Nations. After meeting with the Saracens and England medical team, the second-row is currently working hard on his rehabilitation programme."

The statement continued: "His progress is being constantly monitored and he hopes to return to first team action with Saracens soon."

Borthwick will miss Saracens' Guinness Premiership clash at home to Newcastle on Sunday.

It has also been suggested he could be ruled out of England's five-match tour in June that features Tests against Australia in Perth and Sydney.