Saracens will be without Kyran Bracken in their fight against relegation after he was ruled out with concussion.

But the club received a boost with the news that French full-back Thomas Castaignede hopes to return to the first team against Bristol on 12 May.

He has spent 18 months on the sidelines with an Achilles tendon injury.

Bracken suffered the concussion during his side's 20-14 home defeat by Wasps on Sunday.

The 30-year-old will now miss Saracens' trip to Sale on Friday, plus the visits to Northampton and Newcastle.

Training

But he could be clear to return for the final match of the season against Bristol, a game which could prove crucial in the battle to avoid the drop.

Castaignede, meanwhile, returned to full training on Monday and is hoping to return before the end of the season.

"Thomas has been saying he could get back for the Bristol game, although whether we would want to risk him is another matter," said Saracens spokesman Matt Jones.

"He feels confident but we will look at the situation nearer the time."