Saints boss Boyd gives full injury update ahead of London Irish clash

Freeman scored twice in the first half of the Challenge Cup quarter-final defeat to Ulster at Franklin's Gardens last Saturday but was then forced off in the second period.

Initially, it looked like the 20-year-old was in serious trouble as he stayed down before being helped from the field.

But Boyd was asked how Freeman is at Wednesday's media session, and said: "He dodged a bullet.

"We thought he had a fairly serious knee injury but he's only going to be out for a couple of weeks so it's good news for him."

Taqele Naiyaravoro is another player who will miss Friday night's game against London Irish at Franklin's Gardens.

Naiyaravoro came off after just seven minutes last Saturday with concussion.

"No (he won't be available this week)," Boyd said.

"He still had symptoms earlier in the week. He's over it now but he's still going through the process and he won't make it in time for Friday."

George Furbank has been nursing a calf injury that has kept him out since the win at Worcester Warriors on March 27.

"He's getting pretty close - he trained a bit today," Boyd said.

"We're hopeful that he'll either be this week or next week."

Matt Proctor has also had a calf injury and not played since the defeat to Bristol Bears on March 21.

"He's probably the same as George - he did a bit of training today and he could be this week or next week."

Api Ratuniyarawa is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Boyd said: "He's got a bit of a hole in his hamstring that's been there 45 years apparently so he's probably a couple of weeks off."

Courtney Lawes suffered a pectoral injury during England training back in February.

But Boyd said: "He's training really well.

"His injury is a pec so in the past when he's had injuries they've been lower limb injuries and he's taken the opportunity to do a lot of leg work this time and he's walking around pretty stiff at the moment.

"He's trying to get some more bulk into those legs of his and some more power.

"He's going along nicely and will probably be available for the last three or four games."

Danny Hobbs-Awoyemi has been sidelined since suffering an Achilles injury against Bristol Bears back in September.

"Danny's been good," Boyd said. "It's a long and lonely road when you're out for 12 months with a snapped Achilles tendon.

"It's a tough injury but I saw him earlier this week and he's back into a running programme and his lungs got a real fright - he's doing it pretty tough actually.

"He's got some unpleasant stuff coming up for the next four to six weeks to try to get back into some sort of nick.

"His target will be the start of next year."