Fit-again Anthony Watson evokes bad memories for coach Michael Cheika

England wing Anthony Watson could return to the Leicester starting line-up for Sunday’s Gallagher Premiership clash against his former club Bath.

Watson has won more than 50 caps for his country, but also endured some torrid times through injuries.

He missed the 2023 World Cup in France due to a calf muscle problem, while he was restricted to just two Leicester appearances last season.

Tigers head coach Michael Cheika has confirmed that Watson is available for what will be his first Gallagher Premiership home game in charge.

“I have not been across what has happened to him recently, but he’s been pretty good in pre-season around his availability,” Cheika said.

“He’s had a few little setbacks, but has done most things. He had a setback towards the end (of pre-season), which is why he wasn’t available for the first game (against Exeter), but it’s good to see he is available now.

“I don’t know too much about his journey with injuries. I just remember him carving us up when I was coaching Australia.

“We were talking about the 2015 World Cup, when he scored the try down the right.

“It’s one of the rare times I thought in a game ‘we are in a bit of trouble here’. It was a brilliant try, the crowd went crazy, and when you are the opposition team away from home there is a bit of a wave coming.”

Leicester Tigers XV

15 Freddie Steward [89]

14 Anthony Watson [18]

13 Izaia Perese [1]

12 Dan Kelly [82]

11 Ollie Hassell-Collins [23]

10 Jamie Shillcock [27]

9 Jack van Poortvliet (C) [74]

1 Nicky Smith [1]

2 Charlie Clare [96]

3 Joe Heyes [142]

4 Harry Wells [200]

5 George Martin [66]

6 Hanro Liebenberg [108]

7 Tommy Reffell [115]

8 Olly Cracknell [44]

Replacements

16 Finn Theobald-Thomas [10]

17 James Cronin [35]

18 Dan Cole [324]

19 Côme Joussain [1]

20 Kyle Hatherell [21]

21 Ben Youngs [315]

22 Ben Volavola [1]

23 Mike Brown [27]