England and Saracens' hooker Jamie George is close to return
Tuesday 12 April 2016 22:36, UK
Saracens' director of rugby Mark McCall has revealed that England hooker Jamie George is ahead of schedule from the ruptured bicep injury that ended his Six Nations.
George sustained the injury during training five weeks ago in the build-up to the clash with Wales but, having initially been ruled out for over two months, is now close to returning for his club as they continue their pursuit of silverware on two fronts.
The 25-year-old could be back in action as early as the final match of the regular Aviva Premiership season against Worcester on May 7 as Saracens' quest for domestic and European honours steps up.
McCall says his recovery is ahead of schedule and would give Saracens a major boost.
"We could possibly have Jamie for Worcester, but that is probably a long shot. But he'll definitely be back for the play-offs," he said.
"If he gets back for Worcester it would be ahead of schedule, but he's been throwing himself into his rehab and things couldn't really have gone any better so far.
"We're lucky we have both Schalk Brits and Jamie. Schalk has been playing really well at the moment, but he was injured for most of last season.
"Jamie had to play all the matches then and that's been reversed over the last few weeks, which is good for Schalk because he hasn't played much for us over the last two seasons."
Saracens set up a Champions Cup semi-final against Wasps after toppling Northampton last weekend and McCall is considering making changes for Saturday's Premiership clash with Harlequins at Wembley Stadium.
"There are conversations to be had over whether we expose players who have had big match loads this weekend, but we'll decide that in the next few days," McCall said.
"None of the players will play the next four games, but there are a few of them who don't like a week off before a very big game, which is what the Champions Cup semi-final will be. We'll chop and change a bit, but not too much."