Maro Itoje to make comeback from injury for Saracens

England international Maro Itoje is set to play his first competitive game since October after he was named in the Saracens line-up in the Aviva Premiership clash against Bath at Recreation Ground.

The World Rugby breakthrough player of the year suffered a hand injury during Saracens' European Champions Cup victory over Scarlets on 22nd October and has been sidelined since then forcing him out of the autumn internationals for England.

Itoje will be positioned in the second row alongside Jim Hamilton with Mike Rhodes shifted to blindside flanker joining the likes of Schalk Burger and Jackson Wray in back-row.

Bath too will be boosted by the return of Wales' Taulupe Faletau and England pair Dave Attwood and Semesa Rokoduguni and will be hoping to return to top two positions in the table.

"It's been great having the international guys available for the game, they give us a bit of extra experience in key positions," Bath rugby director Todd Blackadder said.

"Saracens are a good quality side and they are a team which performs no matter where they go, whether they are at hope or on the road.

"It is one of those games where there is a lot at stake for us and we want to perform.

"We've picked Daniel (Bowden) because of his experience.

"He has been in the hot seat before. He has got to come on and be the kingpin decision-maker."