Lions tourists Riki Flutey and Harry Ellis are set to give England manager Martin Johnson a boost ahead of the 2010 Six Nations.
The duo both impressed for the Lions on their 10-match tour of South Africa but have struggled with injury ever since.
Ellis, who was among the replacements in all three internationals against the Springboks and featured in the thrilling third-Test triumph in Johannesburg, has been out of first-team action with a knee injury since mid-September.
The 27-year-old suffered a career-threatening knee injury back in 2007 and his recent absence was again related to the same problem.
But, after admitting that problems with his knee are something he will simply have to manage and get used to, Ellis is finally back playing club rugby for Leicester Tigers.
Having previously featured for the club’s development team, Ellis made his senior comeback with a 20-minute spell against Sale Sharks on Sunday.
And fellow Lion Flutey is set to follow suit with a return to action when Brive face Clermont Auvergne this weekend.
The New Zealand-born centre was one of England’s most-influential players in the lead up to the Lions tour but has not featured for his adopted country since returning from South Africa.
Flutey moved to France from London Wasps last summer but has been involved in just one match for his new club.
The 29-year-old was forced to undergo shoulder surgery but should now be able to push for a place in England’s squad to face Wales at Twickenham on February 6.
