Centre Geoff Appleford is also struggling to return to full fitness following an operation on a shoulder injury. It is uncertain how much longer the England-capped player will be out of action for.

Fellow new centre David Quinlan is likely to be fit for Saints’ first home game against Newcastle Falcons, along with Selborne Boome, who will miss Saturday’s match against Bath with a groin strain.

Fly-half Luke Myring has resumed full training this week and lock James Percival is out of hospital and staying with his parents. He has already begun hydrotherapy treatment to help rehabilitate his neck injury.