Itoje fitness boost ahead of Six Nations

With Eddie Jones set to name his England squad ahead of the Guinness Six Nations next Thursday, he was given a major boost with the return of Maro Itoje.

The 24-year-old picked up a knee injury whilst on international duty with England in November, chipping his patella.

The second row missed five matches, including Sarries’ European double header with Cardiff Blues.

He returns from injury to start for Saracens against Lyon in the Heineken Champions Cup on Sunday.

Saracens are top of Pool 3 with four wins from four and a bonus point victory would almost certainly guarantee a place in the knockout stage.

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Itoje's international and club teammate Jamie George is reinstated at hooker after being rested last weekend and Jackson Wray is the third and final change in the pack, coming into the back row at six.

Saracens have made just one alteration to their backline, which sees Scotland international Sean Maitland replace David Strettle on the wing.

Saracens team to face Lyon in the Heineken Champions Cup on Sunday 13th January:

15. Alex Goode

14. Sean Maitland

13. Nick Tompkins

12. Alex Lozowski

11. Liam Williams

10. Owen Farrell (c)

9. Richard Wigglesworth

1. Mako Vunipola

2. Jamie George

3. Vincent Koch

4. Maro Itoje

5. George Kruis

6. Jackson Wray

7. Schalk Burger

8. Billy Vunipola

Replacements:

16. Christopher Tolofua

17. Richard Barrington

18. Christian Judge

19. Will Skelton

20. Ben Earl

21. Ben Spencer

22. Marcelo Bosch

23. David Strettle

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