Northampton Saints head coach Jim Mallinder has admitted that full-back Ben Foden could be out for 12 weeks due to a knee injury.

The 28-year-old suffered the problem during his side's 18-0 victory over Newcastle Falcons in the Aviva Premiership last Saturday.

"Ben is a quick healer so he thinks he can get back before then but you cannot rush these things," BBC Sport quotes Mallinder as saying.

Mallinder added that Foden is in "positive" frame of mind despite his long-term injury problem.

Foden is now doubtful for England's Six Nations campaign that starts against France on February 1.