SAINTS coach Paul Wellens says Alex Walmsley is in with a chance of playing after describing the accident the prop suffered in midweek, which ruled him out of the Hull KR game.

He also said that fellow packmen Sione Mata’utia and Agnatius Paasi have niggles, but are not at this stage ruled out of the must win game at Huddersfield Giants on Sunday.

On the positive side Morgan Knowles returns from a two-match suspension to slot into the 13 role where Saints are still missing James Bell.

Wellens said: “Alex Walmsley is in contention to play at Huddersfield but tomorrow's training session will be a big factor in whether he'll be fit and available or not.

And we have got a few guys like Agnatius Paasi and Sione who are just carrying a few bumps and bruises that we need to monitor as well.

“We've got some tough decisions to make, but we are obviously very keen get a competitive 17 out there, and obviously respond from what was a disappointing performance last week.”

Walmsley, who has only recently returned from a lengthy absence with a leg injury, strained a hip flexor in an accident at home.

“He actually slipped in the garden when he was playing with his kids last week, which is kind of nature where our luck is at the moment, but he's recovering really well.

“He's responding well to treatment with the medical staff. So hopefully that improvement continues.”

There is less certainty surrounding last year’s player of the year James Bell who has a debilitating back issue – and will not be risked.

“On James Bell’s recovery is like asking how long is a piece of string at the moment,” Wellens said.

“We're just waiting for strength to return in his calf – it all stems from his lower back, but it's affecting his calf strength at the moment.

“Putting him out on the field in in his current state at the moment would be really putting him at risk.

“So when that strength returns he will be good to play, but we just have to be a little bit patient.”

Saints will also be without suspended Tommy Makinson for the trip across the Pennines after the wingman picked up a two-match ban against Hull KR.