Andrew Davies will miss the start of the season.
Andrew davies is starting to step up his pre season training after his fractured cheekbone and ankle surgery, however it will be three to four weeks before he is ready to step up to full contact and therefore contention for a first team place.
That would see him probably miss at least the opening three fixtures plus the trip to Exeter in the Carling Cup.
However he has been stepping up the fitness work in recent weeks meaning that when he is ready to return his fitness should be high and that he will just need to get a few games under his belt.
Davies is of course a vital component of the team, however Saints are well served in the central defensive position, especially if Michael Svensson makes his recovery, however as strong as a combination of Svensson and Chris Perry would be, it would be an aged pairing and the youth of Davies will soon be needed.
If Svensson can prove his fitness though it will take off a lot of the pressure for Saints, it will enable them not to rush Davies back before he is 100%.