Dowson delivers Saints injury latest ahead of Gallagher PREM opener

Litchfield was one of the stars of the previous campaign, playing a huge part as the black, green and gold picked up the PREM trophy.

But he has not been able to feature in any of the PREM Rugby Cup matches this month or the pre-season fixture against Black Lion last Friday.

And when asked about the centre at Wednesday's media session, Saints boss Phil Dowson told this publication: "He's out for a couple of weeks with an ankle injury that he suffered in Sri Lanka (where Saints played a pre-season game in August)."

Faissal was a close-season signing for Saints, arriving after making his debut for Italy during the summer.

However, the 20-year-old suffered an injury on international duty before getting to Northampton and remains on the sidelines.

Dowson, who is preparing his team for the PREM curtain raiser at home to Newcastle Red Bulls on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm), said: "We're awaiting more tests on that so it'll be more long term."

Saints are also set to be without loosehead prop Lefty Zigiriadis and tighthead prop Luke Green for a prolonged period of time due to injury.

But Dowson has allayed injury fears over Josh Taylor and JJ van der Mescht, who had been added to the unavailable list before the clash with Black Lion.

Dowson is confident centre Toby Thame has avoided a long absence after he had to be helped from the field during the clash with the Georgian side.

"He won't be too bad, he's okay," Dowson said. "He's a couple of weeks.

Danilo Fischetti also had to come off against Black Lion, but Dowson said: "He's good."

Trevor Davison and Edoardo Todaro both suffered season-ending knee injuries during the second half of the previous campaign, but they are making good progress in their recovery.

Discussing England tighthead Davison, Dowson said: "Trev's injury at Spurs stadium was brutal – a really, really bad one.

"He's not had many injuries that require that period of time but he's been excellent.

"He had a bit of a break and he went to the States (America) so it was good for him to get his head showered and get away from Northampton and the group.

"He came back in and he's done some running and some movement stuff so that's great because he's such a big character within our group.

"He's someone we miss and we're looking forward to getting back."

On Todaro, who was enjoying a sensational breakthrough season before an injury with Italy put an end to it, Dowson said: "Edo is effectively the Italian Henry Pollock so he's bulletproof, very, very confident, sure with what he can do without being arrogant or anything.

"He's never overboard but a very confident young man who can deal with mistakes and get back on the horse.

"He doesn't seem to be fazed by crowds or pressure, which is a great position to be in."