Martin Johnson faces two charges when he appears before an English RFU disciplinary panel today with both Leicester and England sweating on the outcome of his hearing.

Saracens cited him for alleged use of the knee on their Australian outhalf Duncan McRae during a Tetley's Bitter Cup quarter-final earlier this month. McRae was left with rib damage, and is unlikely to play again before the end of January.

Saracens have also lodged a protest against the Leicester and England captain for an unspecified off-the-ball incident with their prop Julian White.

Johnson faces a ban if found guilty on either, or both, charges. Use of the knee can carry a suspension from anything between one and 12 weeks, although the recommended punishment is 28 days.

A ban longer than four weeks inevitably impacts on England and their Six Nations Championship opener on February 3rd when Johnson is due to lead his country against Wales at the Millennium Stadium.

Leicester officials were furious that Saracens resorted to the citing procedure, but Saracens have stuck to their guns.

"Citing is not something that we take lightly," said chief executive Francois Pienaar, when the protest was made a fortnight ago. "Leicester deserved to win the game, and I have no complaints about that - this is not a case of sour grapes.

"What it boils down to is that Duncan has been put out of action for between five and seven weeks through an act of foul play. We are now missing a key player at a key time, and this cannot go unpunished."

Tickets for Ulster's Heineken Cup game against Saracens on Friday 19th January (kick-off: 7.30) will go on sale from Tuesday 2nd January.