HALF back Theo Fages will be out of action as fifth-placed Saints attempt to pull off a Houdini act at the top of the table.

The 21-year-old French international damaged his knee ligaments in last Saturday’s defeat in Perpignan and came off at half time.

And although he was on crutches with his knee in a protective brace at training yesterday, Fages is expected to return before the year is out.

Any absence is a bitter blow – as the young French skipper adds zip to Saints’ play.

Within two weeks of letting experienced half back Travis Burns go to Leigh until the end of the season, Saints have lost both of the players who were keeping him out of the side.

Coach Keiron Cunningham said: “I would imagine it is medial knee ligaments. It will be weeks, but we will see him again this year because he heals quite quickly.

“We don’t know the full extent of the damage yet, but Theo is a tough kid.

“He tried to play on until half time. When Theo holds his hand up and says he is not right then you know there is a problem.”

This week may come too soon for Luke Walsh, which could mean Saints going with Jordan Turner and Jon Wilkin in the halves.

“Luke Walsh is touch and go for this week,” Cunningham said.

“We are stuck between the devil and deep blue sea there – push him and he breaks and then he is out for eight weeks. We will ride the storm and do what is the best way to go.”