Mallinder confident Saints squad strong enough to cope with injuries

George North will see a specialist this week after being knocked out in a collision with the knee of Wasps No.8 Nathan Hughes in the 35th minute of the match at Franklin’s Gardens

It is likely to see the Wales wing forced to spend some time on the sidelines, while George Pisi and Christian Day could also be set for spells out.

Pisi broke the little finger on his left hand and was withdrawn after just six minutes, while Christian Day’s hamstring strain saw him taken off at half-time.

It means Mallinder may be forced to make a few changes to his side for Saturday’s Champions Cup quarter-final at Clermont Auvergne, but the boss is not worried.

He said: “It’s a tough, physical game and often you do get injuries like that. It’s something you’ve got to be open to.

“We’ve got a long weekend, an extra day to recover, and we’ve got to look at George Pisi.

“Christian Day hobbled off with a bit of a hamstring strain and clearly George (North) we need to look after and make sure he’s okay.

“We’ve got a few knocks but we’ve got a good squad and we’re looking forward to that game next weekend.

“We are the underdog, it’s a massive challenge down there, but it’s one that you relish and the type of game every player wants to play in.”