Bath have suffered a significant blow after Matt Banahan was ruled out for up to three months with a posterior cruciate ligament injury.

According to the Bath Chronicle the 29-year-old felt a “pop” in his knee against Harlequins on Sunday, a game he came on as a replacement.

It’s a cruel setback for the player as he has been in fine form for Bath this season, with director of rugby Todd Blackadder upset by the news.

“We’re obviously disappointed that Banners is going to be out for a while,” he said, with Bath currently sitting third in the league standings.

“He came on against Quins and felt a pop in the back of his knee but carried on. He’s going to need surgery on it, so he’s probably looking at three months.

“He’s been giving us the go forward and performing really well this season but, fortunately, Robbie Fruean is not too far away so at least we can cover him.”