Saracens to be without England star for the start of the Premiership season

The 24-year-old was forced to miss the British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand following shoulder surgery.

And now the Sarries boss has confirmed that the back-rower could miss up to a month of the new campaign as a result.

“Billy’s due back sometime in October,” said McCall. “In true Billy style, he’ll make it back considerably before that.

“He’s in great condition at the moment and chomping at the bit. I’ll be told by the medics when we can [pick him], but it won’t be long.”