Internationals David Strettle and Gareth Delve return to action this weekend still hoping they have time to push their claim for a place in the Lions squad to tour South Africa this summer.
Strettle has been on the sidelines for close to four months, while Delve has been missing for even longer.
Wales back row star Delve is all set for his first appearance since his country’s summer tour of South Africa on which he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee for the second time in his short career.
Delve hasn’t featured for his club side Gloucester since their Guinness Premiership semi-final defeat to Leicester last season, while Strettle’s last appearance for Harlequins was against Worcester Warriors back in early October.
Both players have understandably missed out on selection for next month’s Six Nations but they will be hoping a return to club colours can bring them to the attention of Lions head coach Ian McGeechan before he names his final tour squad in April.
Strettle, who has six England caps to his name, has impressed in the limited time he has had in the international game, while Delve stated at the beginning of the season that the goal of playing for the Lions was keeping him focused during his time out injured.
Delve starts for Gloucester against London Irish at Kingsholm on Saturday afternoon, with Strettle wearing the No11 shirt when Quins host Northampton on the same day.
