St Helens captain Jon Wilkin has been ruled out of the team's Challenge Cup semi-final against Leeds Rhinos with a broken thumb.
The 31-year-old suffered the injury during the Saints' 20-14 win over Warrington Wolves in Super League last week.
Having undergone surgery, Wilkin will not be available for his side's clash with Leeds on August 2.
"We'll miss Jon of course," coach Keiron Cunningham is quoted as saying by BT Sport. "He is a champion of a guy and an ultimate leader for the squad. He doesn't leave it in the dressing room, he does his talking on the field and runs his blood to water.
"I feel for him as he deserves to play in big games. He will bounce back and be back for us some time in the Super 8s."
Atelea Vea has been passed fit for St Helens' encounter with Hull Kingston Rovers in Super League this weekend after spending four months out with a dislocated and broken shoulder.
Jack Prescott
