Franks set for lengthy spell on the sidelines as Boyd issues Saints injury update

Franks was forced off just a few minutes after coming on against Wasps earlier this month, with Paul Hill doing a double shift on the day.

And on Monday afternoon, Saints boss Chris Boyd confirmed Franks will be out for some time.

"Owen's had surgery today for a foot injury and the length of rehab time on that is undetermined and it depends how the surgery goes," Boyd said.

"But we expect that it will be a lengthy time on the sidelines for Owen.

"Owen sets himself incredibly high standards and it's been tough for him to settle in and get to where he knows he has the ability to do.

"It's tough and frustrating but he's the consummate professional.

"He's got a pretty lengthy lay-off now where he needs to regenerate himself and come back when he's ready."

There is better news for Saints on several other injury issues though, with George Furbank, Harry Mallinder, Api Ratuniyarawa, Matt Proctor and Teimana Harrison closing in on a return to action.

On Furbank, who suffered concussion in the win at Gloucester last month, Boyd said: "He's there or thereabouts."

On Harrison (hand), he said: "He had a splint off his finger last week but he's still two or three weeks away, champing at the bit."

On Mallinder, he said: "He's a bit like George, there or thereabouts and he might come into consideration for this week.

And on Ratuniyarawa (calf) and Proctor (knee), Boyd said: "They took part in some of training today and we're optimistic about their potential availability. They're not completely out of the woods but not far away."

Saints could also call on Dan Biggar to face Exeter Chiefs at Sandy Park on Saturday afternoon as Wales are not in Six Nations action this weekend.

But a decision on whether to field the fly-half is yet to be made.

Boyd explained: "We've had a discussion with Dan and everyone needs to have a period of leave so we're in discussions with Dan around his appropriate time to take leave. We'll determine that towards the end of the week.

"He loves to play and despite the fact it's a tough gig, all the people who play international rugby in the Premiership, outside of the international windows they're required to play in the Premiership.

"If it's the appropriate thing for Dan to play, he'll play, if it's not, he won't."