Wigglesworth: Injury blow

The 28-year-old England half-back underwent knee surgery yesterday after he injured his anterior cruciate ligament during the LV= Cup clash against Exeter Chiefs last Sunday.

The average recovery time for this type of injury is between six to nine months, but McCall is remaining positive that Wigglesworth will make a quick recovery and be back in contention for the reigning Aviva Premiership champions before the season ends in May.

"It's devastating for him and bad for us as a club," McCall told Sky Sports News.

"He's down but he's a very competitive individual and we are determined to get back as soon as possible.

"It's the first injury he's had in his career - the longest he's been out for before is two weeks.

"We hope to get him back by the end of season. If not, next season."

Wigglesworth was part of Martin Johnson's World Cup squad but will now miss the whole of next year's Six Nations, where England will be hoping to defend their title.

The versatile scrum-half, who joined Saracens from Sale in the summer of 2010, tasted success with the Watford-based club last season when they beat Leicester 22-18 at Twickenham to claim their first Premiership title.

McCall was full of praise for Wigglesworth, who can also play at fly-half or on the wing, but revealed he will not be in the market to find a replacement to cover the player's period on the sidelines.

"He's been unbelievable for us, he's been a star and he went to the World Cup and played really well," said McCall.

"In my opinion he was one of England's stand-out players at the World Cup and it's a shame he will miss the Six Nations.

"It's a big blow for Wiggy, who has been playing so well for Saracens and has worked so hard in the past 18 months to get himself back in the England side.

"It's also a blow for us but we are lucky to have two very good players in Neil de Kock and Ben Spencer, who have both performed so well this season. And because of that, we are not looking to recruit."