Henry Slade could make Exeter comeback against Newcastle

Henry Slade is in contention to make his comeback from a broken leg when Exeter face Newcastle in the Aviva Premiership on Saturday.

Slade's hopes of participating in England's RBS 6 Nations campaign were ended when he suffered the fracture and ankle ligament damage against Wasps on December 5.

The 22-year-old playmaker, who has two caps, had been earmarked by Red Rose head coach Eddie Jones to start at inside centre during the Championship until injury struck, but his club return is now imminent.

"Henry is very close. He's out there now and has done a full week's training this week," Exeter head coach Rob Baxter said.

"This is the first time he has started a training week and has been selectable as a full-on player, so we would now class him as fit for selection.

"Whether that means we select him this weekend or if that's a little early still, we'll decide later in the week."