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James Haskell fit for Wasps and backed for England return

Eddie Jones celebrates after the second Test win. Jones, pictured with England's James Haskell, coached the Wallabies from 2001 to 2005. The Aussie started coaching England in 2015.

Flanker James Haskell has been passed fit for Wasps as director of rugby Dai Young backed him to shine for England.

The 31-year-old will feature for Wasps in their final European Champions Cup game at Zebre on Sunday, with the Coventry side expected to reach the knockout stages.

Haskell played in Wasps' 22-16 victory over Leicester earlier this month after undergoing foot surgery, his first appearance since playing for England against Australia last summer.

But he lasted just 35 seconds; after coming on as a replacement, he seemed to be knocked out and missed Saturday's 17-14 Champions Cup win over Toulouse.

Haskell has now completed the protocols around concussion, a mandatory six-day graduated return, and Young is ready to throw him back in.

"He finished all his injury protocols over the weekend so he'll be available this week. We'll definitely involve him; he'll probably start -- either at six or seven I'm not sure yet -- but he'll definitely be involved," Young said.

"He is just bursting to get out there now. We have had a lot of players who have played a lot over the last six or seven weeks so for the likes of Has to come back means we're starting to get into a better position.

"I really felt for him. He has taken a bit of stick over it and, if you give it, you've got to be prepared to take it. He'll be the first one to rib someone if the shoe is on the other foot. He's really eager to get out there now and hopefully get some big game time."

Eddie Jones' England squad for the Six Nations is named on Friday and Young expected Haskell to be fit for the tournament, despite spending seven months out injured before his aborted comeback.

"We were confident with his foot injury that he'd be back for the Six Nations. It's typical really, he comes back, plays one game for us and goes and plays in the Six Nations," Young said.

"We were never going to push him or put him under pressure to come back. He has worked really hard and it would have been nice if he'd come off the bench and been involved this week and last -- it would have been a good lead in for him.

"He is extremely fit and he wants to get back out on the field. I'm sure he'll play a big part in England's campaign."