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Northampton Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder says that flanker Tom Wood is approaching full fitness.

The 25-year-old has been out of action with a foot injury since March.

But Courtney Lawes is set to miss the start of the campaign after he suffered a dislocated elbow.

"They're both making massive progress. I'd like to think that [for the Gloucester match], Tom will be 100% fit," director of rugby Jim Mallinder told

"It was massively unfortunate regarding Courtney.

"He was coming good with his shin problem and getting back to full fitness. He had a little accident [whilst] wrestling and dislocated his elbow.

"He probably won't make the beginning of the season but we'd expect him to be back by late September or early October."

Meanwhile, Mallinder says that they are not likely to make another major signing in the next fortnight, despite pulling out of a deal for Cameron Shepherd.

"Not before the start of the season," he said.

"We're keeping our eyes open [for] a couple of positions and we've got a little bit left in the salary cap but we'll wait and see how the squad are.

"We've got no gaps in our squad, we're very happy with it and looking forward to the start."