6th September 2005
Issued on behalf of Northampton Saints

Prop Simon Emms will go under the knife on Thursday for a bicep injury that may rule him out of action for the rest of the 2005/06 season.

The Welshman ruptured his right distal bicep in a tackle situation during training. The recovery period after surgery is likely to take between six and nine months.

Centre Geoff Appleford is also struggling to return to full fitness following an operation on a shoulder injury. It is uncertain how much longer the England-capped player will be out of action for.

Fellow new centre David Quinlan is likely to be fit for Saints' first home game against Newcastle Falcons, along with Selborne Boome, who will miss Saturday's match against Bath with a groin strain.

Back-row Ross Beattie is recovering well from his shoulder injury and fly-half Luke Myring has resumed full training this week. Lock James Percival is out of hospital and is staying with his parents. He has already begun hydrotherapy treatment to help rehabilitate his neck injury.