Saracens captain Brad Barritt has backed Billy Vunipola to come back better than ever after his latest injury setback.
Vunipola, brother Mako and Nick Isiekwe were all missing as Sarries made it two from two in the Champions Cup with a 29-10 win over Lyon on Saturday.
Billy is out until Christmas with another broken arm, but Barritt insists he will remain an integral part of the squad.
“The great thing about Billy is he has got perspective in life and we will get a very hungry and motivated Billy Vunipola come December or January,” said Barritt.
“These things happen and hopefully he will stay injury-free for a very long time now. He’s had bad luck but the team will rally behind him. He is a fantastic guy around the club and will have much input into the team.”
Barritt is off on a family holiday today, having been given the week off, along with other senior players who are not involved with England’s training camp in Portugal.
Saracens now enter the Premiership Cup, a developmental tournament, with the season ledger showing six wins from six in the league and two wins in their opening European matches.
“The really exciting thing is we are eight from eight — a fantastic achievement — but we know there is so much more to come from this team,” added Barritt.
Harlequins slumped to a 19-13 defeat away to Grenoble in the Challenge Cup on Saturday.
