Joe Launchbury only weeks away from Wasps return

Joe Launchbury is targeting a return to action against Leicester on May 9 as he enters the 'crunch phase' of his rehabilitation.

The Wasps and England lock has been out since October because of a nerve problem caused by a bulging disk in his neck, but he is getting close to 100 per cent fitness.

Launchbury, 24, hopes he will be available in time for the huge match against the Tigers, a game that could be vital to Wasps' play-off hopes which would also mark his Ricoh Arena debut.

"I'm approaching six months out of the game, so it's been a long time. Now I'm approaching sort of the crunch time of the rehab." Launchbury said.

"I'm building towards full contact training. A long injury, especially to the neck, is a gradual process to go through and you need to jump through a few hoops in terms of contact.

"Each stage I've taken on so far I've passed, so I'm really happy with where I am and hopefully over the next few weeks we can really ramp things up.

"I'm starting to feel really good and hopefully I'll hit my straps when I come back.

"It's always been hard to nail down a time to come back but given where I am now, I'm really setting my sights on Leicester at home in a few weeks' time.

"We're targeting that game, but it will only happen if everyone around me is 100 per cent sure that that's the right decision and my neck is in the best place it can be."

Launchbury also has a longer-term target of being in prime condition for England's World Cup bid.

Although Stuart Lancaster's side performed well in the Six Nations, only losing the title on points difference, Launchbury would have offered the coach another option in the middle of the pack.

"There is an element of pressure - I really want to turn up to the training camps with a green ticket to my name as a fit player," he added.

"I think that will be important heading into what's going to be a long and tough pre-season camp.

"I want to remind people what I can do on a pitch. Six months is a long time so hopefully I can get back out there and play well.

"The World Cup has been the biggest carrot throughout this injury. It's been a long time, but I've had that every day in the back of my mind that I'm desperate to be there.

"Not many players get a chance to play in a home World Cup and hopefully I can get back fit and find the same form I had before my injury."