SAINTS will be without strike centre Mark Percival for another three-to-four weeks after taking on board the advice of specialists.

The 28-year-old England international has been out of action since playing in the 12-10 win over Warrington on 19 May and the club had been looking at his recovery on a week-to-week basis.

Saints coach Kristian Woolf explained that both he and wing Tommy Makinson are both looking at a similar return-to-play date.

Woolf said: “Mark Percival will be another three to four weeks maximum. Nothing has changed with the injury or re-injury but it is one that for whatever reason did not heal quite as quickly as what was first diagnosed.

“The specialist’s advice that has been given says that it needs to take a little bit longer.

“That’ll be a three to four week return to play.

“Tommy Makinson will more likely be three weeks from now.”

There is a strong element of precaution in there, given the stage where we are in the season and Woolf was looking forward to getting some fresh legs back for the home straight.

“If we were playing finals in three weeks’ time it would have been impossible to keep Mark off the field.

“He feels good and feels like he can play now and that is frustrating for him, but we need to make sure we show due diligence and take the precautions to make sure that when he comes back there is no risk of re-injury.

“We have been a bit cautious with a number of players this year but think it is a smart move.

“These very good players are going to come back into the team later in the year and come back fresh and with a real spring in their step and a mentality of finishing the year strong.

“That is something we are looking forward to,” Woolf said.