Saints trio set for comeback against Gloucester

Full-back Foden, who has missed Saints’ past 13 games with a knee injury, was set to be on the bench at Newcastle last Sunday, but withdrew after concerns were raised about the Kingston Park pitch.

Wing Collins has not played since injuring his shoulder at Ospreys on January 12, while lock Craig has been out with a similar problem picked up in the LV= Cup win against Gloucester on November 9.

But all three players are back in Mallinder’s plans for this weekend’s Premiership clash at Franklin’s Gardens.

“Ben’s made himself available for selection again,” said the director of rugby. “He’s trained really well all this week.

“It was the right call to leave him out last weekend, particularly with the state of the pitch up there, but he’s available for selection for Saturday.

“We’re seeing one or two coming back. James Craig has been in full training this week, so we’ve got a good squad. Hopefully we can keep them fit.

“Tom Collins is another who is in full training and it’s good to see him back.”

Dom Waldouck is also on his way back from the leg injury he picked up in the game against Exeter on February 8, but won’t be ready for this weekend.

Mallinder said: “Dominic is improving. He’s had a bit of a leg injury.

“He’s back out training, but might not be available this week. But hopefully he’s not far off.”

Meanwhile, Mallinder does not want to name a date for Alex Corbisiero’s return.

The England prop has been out since aggravating a knee injury in the autumn international against Argentina in November.

And Mallinder said: “We don’t really want to put a time frame on Alex. He’s just been making steady improvement, as we knew he would after he had the operation.

“He’s making good progress and we’re hopeful that he’ll be back sooner rather than later.”