Newcastle Falcons have been handed a rare injury boost, with the news that lock forward Andy Buist will not require shoulder surgery.

The 23-year-old damaged his shoulder in the 16-14 victory over Saracens on February 17, with initial scans suggesting that season-ending surgery may have been required.

However, having sought further specialist advice the good news is that no surgery is needed, and that Buist should be back in action in the next few weeks.

“It’s fantastic news, because after the initial scan we feared the worst and I had basically written my season off,” said Buist.

“What had happened was that there was a very minor tear in the shoulder, but the presence of some fluid in that area made it appear much worse on the scans and had given the impression of a much bigger tear.

“The fluid has now subsided, and after a period of maybe a week or just longer than that I should be ready to resume playing again, which is a huge boost.

“I’m definitely out of contention for Friday’s game against Wasps, there is an outside chance I could be fit for Bath next weekend but the more realistic target to aim for is probably the following weekend at home to Bristol.”

Director of rugby, John Fletcher, said: “It’s actually very rare in professional rugby that you get a positive piece of injury news, but it’s fantastic that Andy won’t require surgery because he is one of our most promising young players.

“He has missed most of this season with injury, made a successful comeback against Saracens a fortnight ago and now he can look forward to getting back in to things in the next few weeks.”

The Falcons host London Wasps in Guinness Premiership action this Friday at Kingston Park, with the England quartet of Toby Flood, Jonny Wilkinson, Jamie Noon and Mathew Tait all set to return to club duty.

Seats for the game are already sold out, and less than 200 standing tickets remain on sale by calling 0871 226 60 60, or popping to Kingston Park during office hours.