Owen Farrell is expected to be fit for Saracens’ Champions Cup opener against the Bulls in Pretoria this weekend.
Farrell missed Saturday’s 18-12 home Premiership defeat by Northampton due to a minor knee issue.
The 112-cap England fly-half's absence took its toll as Saracens struggled for intensity and accuracy in their third league defeat of the season.
Farrell’s availability will boost Saracens as they gear up for their continental cup opener, with a stiff test awaiting in South Africa.
The 32-year-old has relinquished the England captaincy and stepped down from Test duty for the Six Nations, to protect his and his family’s mental health.
Saracens jetted out to South Africa on Sunday, and rugby director Mark McCall expects Farrell to be ready for action in Saturday’s Bulls clash.
“We’d expect Owen to be fit to return at the weekend now,” said McCall. “That would obviously be good news to have him back, but overall mainly because the knee injury was a minor issue.”
Farrell will continue to captain and play for Saracens, despite taking a break from the international arena.
The Sarries stalwart was on hand as a spectator for Saturday’s Northampton defeat, but should now be straight back into the fray this weekend.
Saracens slipped to just their 13th home league defeat in 11 years on Saturday, as Northampton raided the StoneX Stadium for a hugely impressive result.
McCall’s defending league champions have now lost two Premiership matches at home in just six weeks, albeit the reverse against Bath came while their hefty England contingent was still at the World Cup.
The six-time Premiership champions did dismiss Bristol 39-31 at home two weeks ago, but McCall was still unhappy with the performance levels there.
The north Londoners’ frustrated boss admitted Saracens must find answers – and fast – to a dip in their famed consistency.
“It doesn’t feel like much fun right now, but we’ve got to relish finding out what has gone wrong and what to do about it,” said McCall.
“The Champions Cup is another big challenge for us, this will be a big test and we have to be completely ready.”
