Dowson delivers Saints injury latest ahead of trip to Leicester Tigers

The England flanker has yet to play in the PREM or Investec Champions Cup so far this season due to a hand injury, but black, green and gold boss Phil Dowson confirmed on Tuesday that he is now closing in on a return to action.

"He's good, he's back training," Dowson said of Pearson.

"It's great for TP because he's been frustrated and it won't be long before he's back out there."

More good news comes in the form of tighthead prop Luke Green, who has yet to feature so far this season.

Dowson said: "He's back training so he's not too far away."

However, Lefty Zigiriadis and Tom Litchfield remain on the long-term injured list.

On loosehead prop Zigiriadis, who joined Saints from Ealing Trailfinders during the summer, Dowson said: "He's going to be out for a period of time.

And centre Litchfield?

"Again, long term," Dowson said.

Italy wing Malik Faissal is also out for a prolonged period of time after having surgery earlier this month, while Trevor Davison and Edoardo Todaro have been working their way back from long-term knee injuries.

Saints can welcome back an England quartet this week after Manny Iyogun, Alex Coles, Henry Pollock and Tommy Freeman were rested for last Sunday's 28-12 Investec Champions Cup win against Cardiff Rugby at DPD Stadium at Franklin's Gardens.

There are also several selection dilemmas for Dowson, notably at scrum-half as Alex Mitchell and Archie McParland are both in fine form.

"It's fantastic for them to compete during training, to push each other, to manage their minutes," Dowson said.

"To allow them to take some of the heat off each other is hugely valuable and that's across the board, because there's lots and lots of players who have put their hand up for selection – and selection was difficult this week."

There was also some Leicester-related injury news that emerged on Tuesday afternoon as Wales boss Steve Tandy confirmed that key flanker Tommy Reffell is set to be sidelined for between four and six weeks due to a knee issue, meaning he will miss derby day this weekend.