More bad news for Saints as Mallinder suffers injury setback

The 24-year-old initially suffered knee ligament damage in a game against Clermont Auvergne back in October 2018.

But after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Mallinder was able to make his return back in January and made up for lost time by scoring three tries in just five matches this season.

Covid-19 then struck the world, but Mallinder was due to start Saints' first game back after lockdown, against Wasps in August.

However, he had to withdraw at late notice.

Mallinder was then named on the teamsheet again for the home match against Bath 10 days later but again had to pull out.

He has not played since the March win at Worcester and at Thursday's media session ahead of Sunday's trip to Gloucester, Saints boss Chris Boyd gave this publication an update.

"Harry today underwent another knee operation," Boyd said. "They're going in to have another look.

"In the last running session he had, his knee blew up again, and there's something there that's clearly not right that they haven't been able to put their finger on.

"They're going back in to have another look to see if they can get that right.

"It's very frustrating for Harry and I feel for him.

"He's had a long, hard road with his injuries and hopefully we can get him injury-free and making the contribution to us that we know he's capable of making."

Saints have been beset by injuries since rugby returned in August.

Courtney Lawes will see a specialist next week after he picked up an ankle problem against Sale Sharks on Tuesday night, while Dan Biggar was also forced off in that game and Rory Hutchinson had to withdraw before kick-off.

When asked for updates on Biggar and Hutchinson, Boyd said: "Dan's okay - he just took a knock and he's okay.

"Rory has got a high ankle sprain and I'm not sure that it's going to require surgery.

"I think he's got a specialist appointment next Tuesday."

Mike Haywood recently underwent surgery on a knee problem, while Saints have been without four loosehead props, Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi (Achilles), Alex Waller (Achilles), Francois van Wyk (knee) and Nick Auterac (hip flexor) in recent weeks.

Alex Coles (ankle), Tom Collins (foot) and Tom Wood (pulmonary embolism) will also remain sidelined for the final game of the season.

But the one piece of good news is that Ollie Sleightholme is set to be involved after recovering from a hamstring injury.

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