Sarries get Itoje boost

MARO ITOJE will make an early return from jaw surgery to boost struggling Saracens.

The lock had metal plates put in his face last week and was a doubt for the start of the Six Nations.

‘Maro is probably three or four weeks away,’ said Saracens coach Mark McCall. ‘He went to see the specialist who said a maximum of six weeks and he’s already done a week and a half.’

Saracens are suffering their worst run of results for 14 years, with Monday’s record 46-14 Champions Cup defeat by Clermont adding to their woe. The two sides face off again on Sunday with skipper Brad Barritt set to miss out with concussion and Billy Vunipola still sidelined with a knee injury.