Dowson gives latest update on Saints star Mitchell ahead of PREM final
Phil Dowson says there is ‘a chance’ Alex Mitchell could be available for the Gallagher PREM final on Saturday.
Saints will take on Exeter Chiefs in the showpiece at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham (kick-off 3pm).
Mitchell scored what proved to be the decisive try the last time the black, green and gold were in a PREM final as he dived over against Bath in 2024.
But he has recently been ruled out due to a hamstring injury picked up during an England training camp last month.
After that happened, Dowson was asked about Mitchell’s hamstring, and he said: "He's pulled it.
"Our head medic, Matt Lee, sent me the (scan) picture and it's going to be a push to get him any rugby for the rest of the season for us.
"It is frustrating and every DOR (director of rugby) would say that. (England boss) Steve (Borthwick) would say that if they were injured on club time.
"It's the nature of the beast, these things happen.”
But at Tuesday’s media session, Dowson was asked whether Mitchell could still be fit in time for the final.
And the Saints boss said: “There is a chance – I would hate to say whether it is good or bad.”
Archie McParland has continued to excel in the absence of Mitchell, while Jonny Weimann came off the bench in the 45-31 PREM play-off semi-final win against Leicester Tigers last Friday.
Saints can also call upon experienced No.9 Tom James.
That means Dowson has options as he waits to see whether Mitchell will be fully fit for the final.
“There is Tom James and Weimann as well (as McParland) who have been excellent so we have got to make sure we get the balance right and trust we get the balance and if Alex does get involved he can do enough minutes to cover us off,” Dowson said.