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Owen Farrell closes in on Saracens return

David Jones/Getty Images

Saracens' elation at defeating Aviva Premiership title rivals Wasps has increased with the news of Owen Farrell's imminent return from injury.

The double winners have tentatively pencilled in Saturday's heavyweight European showdown with Toulon for their England playmaker to make his first appearance of the season.

A back and hip problem sustained in pre-season has prevented Farrell from playing, but he has been able to resume place kicking in an encouraging development ahead of the forthcoming autumn internationals.

"Owen was with the team for Wasps," said Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall, who revealed that Alex Goode could also be back from a knee injury. "He warmed up with them and place kicked for the first time before the game. If everything goes to plan, then hopefully he'll be available for this weekend.

"He's an influential member of the squad and it's good to have him around the team.

"I think he could definitely come straight into the team, six weeks isn't so long. We'll asses that in training.

"Alex Lozowski has put his case forward so it's a big shout for us, but Owen is a world-class fly-half.

"For us to have won five of our first six league games without the likes of Owen, Duncan Taylor and Chris Ashton is a good achievement."