Andy Farrell is likely miss the first five Guinness Premiership games with Saracens after suffering a pre-season injury.

The former Great Britain rugby league skipper fractured his thumb during a friendly against Australian Super-14 side Western Force.

He could be out for eight weeks, meaning he would be unavailable for clashes with Harlequins, Sale Sharks, Newcastle, Northampton and Bristol.

It is another setback for the England centre, whose rugby union career has suffered repeated injury setbacks.

Farrell, who is joint-captain of Saracens alongside England's Steve Borthwick, said: "It is totally frustrating, especially after flogging yourself for eight weeks in pre-season.

"Things were going really well. I felt in great shape but as soon as it happened I knew I was in trouble.

"But as frustrated as I am, you won't find me sitting in the corner and sulking. I can still train, and I shall use this time to get fitter and stronger and turn this time into an advantage."