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SAINTS’ forward Matty Lees has been ruled out of Saturday’s Challenge Cup final due to a serious abdominal injury. 

The 21-year-old will miss the showpiece event, coach Justin Holbrook confirmed after he suffered an injury against Leeds last Thursday. 

Holbrook said everyone else is fit for selection but that Lees has suffered a “serious abdominal” injury.

The Saints coach, speakign at the cup final press conference at Media City, said Lees took a knock on his hip and, initially, the injury was not believed to be serious.

However, when Holbrook returned to the changing rooms after press duties Lees was in a "bad way".

The England Knights forward was taken to hospital where he underwent abdominal surgery.

Speaking to the Star, Holbrook said: "He's had surgery, and has come through good but obviously he won't be right this week.

"He is a great young player who plays the game as tough as anyone - so it's disappointing for Matty."

Holbrook said it was not clear at this stage how long the injury would rule out Lees for.

The Saints coach, meanwhile, will welcome back a host of players who missed the victory at Headingley and confirmed full back Lachlan Coote is fit after a lay off with a knee injury.

Holbrook added: "Everyone else is fit and ready to go. We're pretty close to knowing our side, it should be by tomorrow (Tuesday) and then we'll officially name the 17 later in the week.

"The senior guys will back - Morgan Knowles would have played last week but he came down with a virus.

"He is fit as is Lachlan Coote, Alex Walmsley, James Roby, Tommy Makinson, Jospeh Paulo and Louie McCarthy Scarsbrook."

Meanwhile, Steve Price says the chances of all four of his players with Challenge Cup Final injury doubts taking the field are “looking positive.”

Blake Austin (ankle), Jack Hughes (ruptured testicle), Josh Charnley (knee) were already doubts for the clash with St Helens at Wembley Stadium and they were joined by full-back Stefan Ratchford, who suffered a lower leg injury in the defeat to Wigan on Friday.

While not giving too much away, Price appeared optimistic about the chances of all four returning and said he will give them up until Friday’s captain’s run to prove their fitness.

“With Blake Austin, Jack Hughes and Josh Charnley, I’ll give them until the later stages of the week,” he said.

“Official training starts tomorrow so until then, there isn’t really too much to say but it’s looking positive.

“Stef copped a couple of knocks in the game the other night but I’m confident he’ll be right.

“If they’re not right for captain’s run, we’ll have to look at other options.”