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London - England's Six Nations preparations were dealt a blow on Tuesday after rising star Courtney Lawes was ruled out of the campaign with a knee injury.
A spokesman for Lawes' club Northampton confirmed the towering lock forward would be sidelined for three months after damaging cruciate ligaments in the Saints defeat to Leicester at the weekend.
"He's damaged a medial cruciate ligament and is expected to be out for around about three months," the spokesman said. "But we expect him to play before the end of the season."
Lawes was one of the stars of England's recent autumn internationals, playing a key role in the memorable try scored by wing Chris Ashton in the 35-18 victory over Australia.
The young lock's absence is another setback for England manager Martin Johnson, who has already seen loose forward Tom Croft ruled out of the Six Nations through injury.
