St Helens utility back Jonny Lomax has been ruled out for a further six weeks after he suffered a setback in his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury.
Lomax had impressed in his new full-back role before incurring the problem against Wakefield five weeks ago, and looked set to make his return to action in Saturday's Challenge Cup fourth-round tie with Hull KR at New Craven Park.
"Jonny won't be back for about another six weeks," said coach Nathan Brown. "He had some fluid leak into where his injury was, so it's a bit of a setback."
The setback to Lomax is just the latest in a long line of injury problems suffered by Brown since he took on the role this season.
He was without seven regulars for the 22-12 defeat at home to Catalan Dragons last Friday, although two of them, winger Ade Gardner and forward Tony Puletua, could return against the Robins.
But Brown is refusing to be downbeat and believes Tom Makinson is adapting well to making the switch from the wing to cover for Lomax.
"It's the way it is," added Brown. "You move on, don't you? We've had our share of misfortune with the loss of key personnel.
"But it's no good talking about Jonny because he won't be playing, we need to be talking about the ones that are playing.
"Tommy Mac is a vastly different player to Jonny but he's improving.
"And we get two experienced blokes back this week. We needed a bit of experience to mix with the youth."
Meanwhile, Saints have confirmed general manager Mike Rush has been promoted to chief executive.