Saints star Lawes out for ‘a week or two’

Courtney Lawes was forced off at Sale (picture: Kirsty Edmonds)

And the Saints boss expects the England star to return within the next couple of weeks.

Lawes left the AJ Bell Stadium wearing a knee brace on his right leg and he will now miss Saturday’s game against Saracens at Franklin’s Gardens.

But Mallinder is hoping the 26-year-old can play a part in the Champions Cup clashes with Scarlets and Glasgow Warriors on the following weekends.

“Courtney has damaged his knee,” said the director of rugby. “It’s not major but it will mean that he’s out for a week or two.”

But there is better news on George North, who has returned to training after coming back from World Cup duty with Wales with a hamstring injury.

“George has trained so he’s in the mix,” Mallinder said.

Calum Clark has also been back in training after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in a pre-season win at Wasps.

“It’s good to have him back,” Mallinder said.

“What we need at this moment in time is all of our players fit and available.

“You’re always going to get one or two knocks - that’s the nature of the competition and playing professional rugby - but the key is getting as many players fit and raring to go as you can.”

Alex Corbisiero has also been out with injury of late, with the England prop not featuring since the final game of pre-season, at home to Worcester.

But Mallinder said: “Corbisiero is close to full fitness.

“He’s been out training and it’s good to see him back in the mix.”

Victor Matfield recently helped South Africa to the semi-finals of the World Cup and concluded his international career with victory in the bronze final against Argentina last Friday.

Now the 38-year-old lock will focus on Saints, as soon as he returns from his homeland.

Mallinder explained: “Victor has gone back to South Africa to pick up his Visa and his children and he will then be getting smartly back to Northampton.”

Jon Fisher was initially named in the matchday squad for last Sunday’s game at Sale, but was forced to pull out late on.

And Mallinder said: “Jon’s been poorly.

“He’s just been looking after himself so hopefully he’ll be back soon.”