To say that St Helens have had it bad with injuries this year would be an understatement, and their luck hasn’t improved in the midst of trying to secure an unlikely place in the play-offs.

After it looked as though the Red Vee were very slowly getting bodies back, this week’s team news has revealed that the club has lost three more players due to injury, as well as Daniel Suluka-Fifita to suspension.

The mid-season signing is banned for this week’s game against Leigh after a Grade C charge for ‘strikes’ put him over the threshold for a ban.

To make matters worse, forward pair Alex Walmsley and Jake Davies are both absent this week, with Eamon O’Carroll set to reveal the full extent of their injuries in tomorrow [Thursday’s] press conference.

Walmsley is said to have suffered delayed concussion symptoms after the defeat to Leeds Rhinos, whilst Davies’ issue is currently undisclosed.

For Walmsley especially, the blow is concerning not just for him as a player, but as a person too, with the veteran already seeing a specialist this year due to the number of concussions and HIA’s he has needed.

Joining them in the medical room is Nene MacDonald, who has had a torrid time with injuries during his Saints career.

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So, with those four players now sidelined, here is how the Saints could line up against Leigh, in what is a must-win game if they want any chance of keeping their play-off hopes alive.

St Helens predicted squad to face Leigh Leopards after latest injuries

Full-back: Tristan Sailor

Whether you believe Sailor or Jack Welsby should be Saints’ starting full-back, O’Carroll has stuck with Sailor for the past few games, and it would be strange to see him alter that plan at a time when consistency and combinations are already limited.

Wingers: Jacob Douglas and Deon Cross

The pair combined for just 154 run metres against Leeds, something that will need to improve significantly, especially when Josh Charnley and Keanan Brand are experts at carrying the ball out of yardage.

Centres: Jack Welsby and Mark Percival

Here we see the first change, and Percival is set for a return to the squad, having been named in the 21 for the past fortnight. He comes in for MacDonald.

It’s clear that Saints need Welsby on the ball as much as possible, with him being the standout in what was a poor showing against Leeds on Friday.

Halves: Harry Robertson and Jonny Lomax

It’s the old and the new, with Lomax playing what could be the penultimate game of his career, after announcing he will retire at the end of the season. Jackson Hastings is still suspended, so the former England international will get to finish the season in the starting line-up.

Robertson had an off night against Leeds, but on the whole has been very good since moving to the halves.

Props: David Klemmer and Jacob Host

With no Suluka-Fifita or Walmsley, Saints’ pack options have been decimated in the space of a week, and it means that Host is probaby the man to move out of position and begin the game alongside Klemmer in the front row.

Hooker: Joe Shorrocks

Jake Burns has seemingly disappeared from the Saints fold, having not been named in either the first team or reserves, but with the Shorrocks-Humphreys partnership working as well as it can given the circumstances, there are no reasons to change it up.

Back Row: Shane Wright and Billy Keeley

With Davies out injured, changes need to be made in the back row as well as the front, and his absence could mean another start for Billy Keeley.

Saints remain without Curtis Sironen, Davies and Jed Cartwright in the position.

Loose forward: Matty Evans

The youngster could be in for a first St Helens start this week, with the club’s more recognised 13s – Shorrocks, Klemmer and Host – all playing in needed in different positions.

Bench: Tom Humphreys, Cole Marsh, Chris Matagi, Alfie Tate

As mentioned, Humphreys will come on as the back-up hooker, with Shorrocks at that point likely moving to 13.

Marsh, Matagi and Tate are all young, but will all have bundles of energy to hopefully keep the Saints spark going in the middle of the park. If selected, Tate will make his St Helens debut.

Missing out: Oscar Knox, Tyler McGann, Jack Campbell, Luca Walsh