Northampton Saints lock Courtney Lawes has suffered a new injury setback after undergoing surgery on his elbow.

The England international has endured an injury-hit year so far, and hasn't played for the Saints since February. He picked up the issue during pre-season training and underwent an operation on Tuesday.

Despite the blow, Northampton are optimistic that they will have Lawes fit and ready for the start of the new Aviva Premiership season.

A club spokesperson said: "Courtney has had an operation on an elbow injury and is rehabbing well."

Lawes missed the majority of England's Six Nations campaign with a knee problem before sitting out the run-in of the Saints' domestic season with a shin injury.