ST HELENS are still unsure if they will have Nene Macdonald available for Friday’s derby against Wigan Warriors.
The 32-year-old missed last week’s 34-18 win over Catalans Dragons with an ongoing knee issue, having suffered a negative reaction to having it drained.
Assistant Lee Briers admitted it is a waiting game to see whether the same issue will arise ahead of Saints’ trip to the Brick Community Stadium.
“I think there’s a bit of everything there,” he explained of the injury to the former Salford, Leigh Leopards and Leeds Rhinos back.
“I’m sure the medical staff, at this moment in time, are getting it checked out and making sure that if it needs any further investigation, that will happen.
“It’s just a shame that we’ve not been able to see Nene at his full (potential) at the moment, but hopefully, with a few games left to go, he can get through.
“I’m not medically aware of any surgeries happening. I know he’s had it drained, we’re just waiting for the reaction of that.”
Lewis Murphy and Shane Wright are both in line to return to the 21-man squad ahead of the fixture, alongside one of either Alex Walmsley or George Delaney – both sidelined after head knocks in the Magic Weekend defeat to Wigan at the beginning of the month.
Briers confirmed that there were no fresh injuries against Catalans, but kept his cards close to his chest about any potential return for Walmsley or Delaney.
“Possibly one back this week, and one not,” he admitted.
“Lewis will be in and around the 21-man squad this week, he’s passed and ticked all the boxes that he needs to.
“We’ve just had a really good session, so we’ll see how he reacts on the back of that.
“Shane will be in and around the 21 as well, it’s looking like he’ll be back.”