Billy Vunipola's chances of making England's Six Nations squad have been given a boost after club side Saracens announced his return to action following a broken arm.
The No. 8 has been selected in the starting XV for the Gallagher Premiership champions' Friday night trip to Sale Sharks .
Teammate Liam Williams is also included in the line-up for the first time since picking up a hamstring injury in November, putting him in line for a return to international rugby with Wales
Vunipola, 26, missed England's November international campaign after undergoing surgery on his left arm which he damaged in a European Champions Cup clash against Glasgow Warriors in October.
His absence was one of many for head coach Eddie Jones but Vunipola is returning in time for the Six Nations, which starts for England on Feb 2 with a trip to last year's Grand Slam winners, Ireland.
Williams' return in the back three will delight Wales coach Warren Gatland, with uncertainty lingering over Leigh Halfpenny's participation in the Six Nations.
Fullback Halfpenny, who has missed the last two months after coming off concussed in Wales' November international win over Australia, was due to return for club side Scarlets last weekend before pulling out.
Saracens sit second in the Gallagher Premiership a point behind Exeter Chiefs, but can go top with a win at Sale.