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Burger faces nine month layoff

Burger: Adds to Sarries' injury woes

Saracens flanker Jacques Burger faces up to nine months on the sidelines after revealing he will have to undergo knee surgery.

The Namibia international made only six appearances for Sarries this season and has been plagued by the knee injury which he first sustained against Northampton just over a year ago.

It was initially thought the 28-year-old would be able to feature before the end of the season, however, the player revealed on Twitter that his injury was more severe than anticipated.

"Done a couple of things trying to get back playing this season but it's not worked. Will have a knee operation in the next week. 9 months," tweeted Burger.

Justin Melck, Will Fraser, Kelly Brown and Andy Saull will continue to rotate the back row duties in Burger's absence.

Sarries are already without long-term casualties Richard Wigglesworth and Neil de Kock who are struggling with knee and arm injuries respectively.