Saints have selection options for Scarlets clash

But there is some good news, with centre Tom Stephenson now back in training after suffering an injury in the defeat at Racing 92 in December.

James Wilson also continues to train as he looks to regain full sharpness following the arm problem that has kept him out of first-team duties since the end of last season.

Ahsee Tuala is also nearing a return, with Ken Pisi another man desperate to get some minutes under his belt.

But Calum Clark, who suffered a shoulder injury in the pre-season win at Wasps, remains sidelined.

Fotuali’i pulled his hamstring in the victory against Exeter Chiefs on New Year’s Day and will again play no part this weekend, with Lee Dickson and Tom Kessell the men available at nine.

“Kahn is still out, but very close,” said Saints assistant coach Alan Dickens. “Calum Clark is still out, but apart from that, a lot of people are back in contention.

“Tom Stephenson is back in training, Ben Nutley’s back training, so we’ve got more lads to pick from.

“James Wilson has been training, but just a bit short of game time at the moment.

“He played against Leicester in the A League a couple of weeks ago and it’s just a pain we haven’t got those A League games for those lads to play in.

“Ace (Tuala) was injured, but he’s pretty close.

“Ken just needs game time to stake a claim to get back in the team.”