Harlequins are expected to be without England stars Danny Care and Joe Marler for their crunch Champions Cup quarter-final clash in Bordeaux.
Veterans Care and Marler have both been carrying injury niggles but also made an immediate return to club action without any break after the Six Nations.
Harlequins will head into their biggest game since the 2021 Premiership final without two of their most influential and experienced men, for a daunting trip to Bordeaux on Saturday.
Rugby director Billy Millard admitted Harlequins have had to take some tricky selection decisions this week, after beating Glasgow last weekend threw up another welcome – but challenging – fixture.
“There are definitely guys in the building who we are managing at the moment,” said Millard.
“Post any Six Nations there are a group of players who need a rest and there is another group who are in a different world.
“There are definitely some conversations and management going on through the squad.”
Asked if Quins will select their strongest team this weekend, Millard continued: “Player welfare and injuries come in front of that, but we will be putting our best foot forward.
“Our club cares deeply about player welfare. Sometimes for long-term gain you have to take a short-term hit.
“That is why you want to have a squad that can cope with that.”
Scrum-half Will Porter has returned to full fitness this week, and his timely return will offset Care’s absence.
England back-row forward Chandler Cunningham-South has shaken off the calf injury he picked up in the 23-22 Six Nations win over Ireland.
Millard hailed the bullish loose forward’s natural line-breaking instincts, revealing the 21-year-old is itching to get back into action.
“I’ve got a massive soft spot for Chandler,” said Millard.
“He went into the England environment and has come back a better human and a better rugby player. He is absolutely chomping at the bit. It’s all in front of him at the moment.
“It’s getting that balance of accuracy and composure, but you don’t want him to lose his wildness.
“I always say to him stay wild, but to play at the level he needs to play on the weekend and with England he also needs to be really accurate and his knowledge.”
