British & Irish Lions and England star Josh Lewsey is set to make his first appearance of the season when Wasps tackle Powergen Cup opponents London Irish on Sunday.
The World Cup winner, who started all three Tests for the Lions against New Zealand this summer, underwent shoulder surgery on his return home.
And his likely return to action off the replacements’ bench comes just six weeks before England launch their autumn Test programme against Twickenham visitors Australia.
Lewsey looks poised to feature on England’s left-wing this season, forging a back-three unit with his Wasps colleague Mark van Gisbergen and Sale Sharks try-machine Mark Cueto.
"Josh has been in full training for the last two weeks, and everything has gone very well," said Wasps rugby director Ian McGeechan.
"We are easing him back into the game situation slowly by selecting him for the bench on Sunday."
