SAINTS fear prop Alex Walmsley could be sidelined for 12 weeks or longer if he, as seems likely, needs surgery on his knee.

The knee injury is on top of the hamstring injury sustained in the Challenge Cup defeat by Warrington a fortnight ago.

Saints coach Paul Wellens confirmed the bad news this evening. 

Wellens said: "We're feeling that Alex potentially might be out long term. He's got an hamstring issue which is going to keep him out for around six to eight weeks.

"But he's also got a knee problem which is looking likely that it will require surgery, and if that's the case, you can double that period to a minimum of 12 weeks.

"So it's looking like we're going to be without Alex for a prolonged period of time."

Saints props are thin on the ground and tonight Sione Mata'utia, Curtin Sironen and Morgan Knowles all did stints at prop alongside out and out front rowers Matty Lees and George Delaney.

"We're going to have to obviously adapt to this situation," said Wellens.

"But what I can take confidence from is that obviously we lost Al for a 10-week period last year and handled it really well because obviously he's an important player for us and being with him does hurt us.

"But what we need is other people to come to the fore, and come to the party, as they did last year and we'll see how things go there, but it's not looking good (for Walmsley).

"What I've got to do in that respect is pay huge credit to players like Sione Mata’utia and Curtis Sironen who are both back rowers by trade.

"They are two of the most influential back rowers in the competition, but what they do is put their hands up.

"A real key thing in terms of what we value at the club is putting the team first.

"And in those two blokes in the last few weeks and probably Sione a fair bit longer, they've absolutely done that and I'm so grateful as a coach."

Wellens explained that Tongan heavyweight Agnatius Paasi - whohas been sidelined since last year's Challenge Cup semi final - is now back training with the full squad.

"We're hoping he'll play for the Reserves in three or four week’s time, which if he gets to run out there and comes through well, he starts obviously become come into contention with us.

"It’s probably a timely return for Agnatius and I don't think Jake Wingfield's too far off as well, which will certainly help us."