Boyd gives updates on injured backs ahead of Saints' trip to Harlequins

Neither player has been able to feature for Saints since Gallagher Premiership action returned earlier this month.

Mallinder has been named in the starting 15 twice, against Wasps and Bath.

But the 24-year-old has been forced to withdraw on both occasions due to a knee injury.

"He's got a wee grumble from his knee surgery that's proving a little problematic," Boyd said.

"He's been named twice and had to withdraw twice and we've now changed our focus and he won't get named again until we're really sure he's ready to go.

"He's got to get through a good, solid week's training but the medical staff are pretty sure it's not far off.

"He's worked really hard and he's just had a wee setback.

"He's had a tough run with his injuries but he's a resilient guy and he's getting through it.

"We'll welcome him back as soon as he's ready."

Sleightholme has not been as close to making his comeback, but Boyd is remaining optimistic.

"Sleights has still got that hamstring problem and they're going to try to make it bomb-proof so he doesn't keep pulling it," Boyd said.

"We discovered he's got some lower back problems that are causing that hamstring problem so he's probably a few weeks off.

"But when he comes back, he should hopefully be ready to sprint."

The absence of Mallinder and Sleightholme meant 19-year-old Senior Academy player Tommy Freeman came in to make his Premiership debut from the start on Wednesday night.

Freeman wasn't too far away from scoring before eventually being bundled into touch by Bath, who beat Saints 18-3.

And Boyd said: "He's just a young kid and I'm delighted he got an opportunity.

"He's still pretty green and he's got a lot to learn but he's a good kid and a good athlete.

"He wants to learn and he wants to get better, and Tommy Freeman will be a good footballer for Northampton Saints in time.

"He's probably not ready yet and if we weren't going through this rotational thing he might not have got a chance but we have to do what we've got to do now and it's a pretty good start for him."

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