SAINTS will welcome back second-row Atelea Vea for this Friday’s Super League clash with Hull KR but skipper Jon Wilkin faces a spell on the sidelines after surgery on a broken thumb.

The Tongan giant, who made a blistering start to his Saints career, will make his first appearance in four months since sustaining a shoulder injury away at Hull KR earlier in the season.

The news comes as a welcome boost to coach Keiron Cunningham after Saints’ injury curse continued last Thursday with Wilkin having an operation on the broken thumb he picked up in the opening minutes of the win at Warrington.

“Tils plays this week, he’s back and he’s 100 per cent,” said Cunningham.

“He’s passed his training it feels like he’ll be making his debut again he’s been out for that long.

“He was in scintillating form at the start of the year. I’m sure his lungs will be screaming on Friday night but I’m sure he’ll be glad of pulling a shirt on and stepping back out on that pitch.”

The Saints boss would not put a timeframe in when he expects his captain to be back but is confident that he will return before the end of the season.

“Jon is not good, he has had surgery, he’s broken his thumb and he is going to be out for a period of time. How long that is I’m not sure but he will play again this year.

“That’s probably one of the most heartbreaking calls I’ve ever heard in my coaching career, we’ve gone through some bad injuries this year but if anybody doesn’t deserve an injury – and I’m not saying anybody deserves it - but the way Wilko plays the game and the passion he deserves to succeed.”