Dowson delivers latest injury update ahead of Saints' trip to Newcastle

Both wingers were forced off during the 33-27 defeat to Bristol Bears at cinch Stadium at Franklin's Gardens last Saturday.

And when asked about Freeman at Wednesday's media session, Saints boss Phil Dowson said: "He's in a boot.

"We haven't scanned it as yet - we're just trying to get the swelling out of him and James Ramm. Both of them have ankle issues from the game last Saturday and I would think they are both unlikely for this weekend.

"But both of them have good powers of recovery so we've got to make sure we put as much effort as we can into reducing that swelling before either we scan it or strap it up and move them around."

George Hendy had to miss last weekend's game as Tom Litchfield replaced him on the team sheet before kick-off.

When asked about Hendy, Dowson said: "He's okay.

"He trained fine on the Friday and then on the Saturday he woke up and was sore.

"He hadn't done a huge amount of training that week and he felt he wasn't going to give himself the best opportunity to perform well so he was pulled out.

"We'll build him back up this week and see how he goes but it's one of those when you're a young man of understanding where your body is at.

"He desperately wanted to play, but myself and the medics decided that we didn't think he was in the right position to do so.

"In hindsight, he probably would agree with that as well.

"It was a tough decision but the one thing we don't want to do is make him worse or put him in a situation where he can't perform out on the pitch and do his job.

"It was frustrating for Hendy but he'll learn from that and he'll come back. Hopefully it won't be too long."

Sam Graham came off during the second half against Bristol, but Dowson said: "Sam's okay, he had cramp, which he's recovered nicely from."

Saints remain without England World Cup players Lewis Ludlam, who is on the bench against Argentina on Friday night, Courtney Lawes and Alex Mitchell.

And they also have a lengthy injury list to contend with, with the likes of Manny Iyogun and Juarno Augustus still sidelined.

But could there be any good news in terms of players returning this week?

Dowson said: "Potentially, yes."