Courtney Lawes injury "not a serious one"

Northampton Saints and England lock Courtney Lawes is expected to be fit for next month's Six Nations campaign.

The 22-year-old sustained a knee injury as Saints defeated Newcastle Falcons on New Year's Eve.

However, coach Jim Mallinder has played down fears that the complaint could keep Lawes out for some time.

"I think he'll be out for a few weeks," Mallinder told BBC Radio Northampton. "It's not a serious one but it's really disappointing for him.

"We need to look after him and hopefully he can come back fit and raring to go."

Lawes recently agreed a contract extension with the Saints.