McCall: Kruis still has Lions chance

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall still thinks George Kruis has a chance of securing a place in the British and Irish Lions squad as he closes in on a return from injury.

The England lock missed the Six Nations after undergoing knee surgery, which threatened to rule him out of the Lions' tour of New Zealand.

Second row Kruis is set to return next month after a lengthy spell on the sidelines and McCall sees no reason why he cannot force his way into Warren Gatland's touring party.

"I think George has a chance of making the Lions tour because he's a lineout caller and is probably the best lineout caller around," said McCall.

"That's a real string to his bow. He's also a great player, so I think he's got a chance.

"George could be back towards the end of April, that's the best guess, but it could be sooner than that."

Gatland will name the Lions squad on April 19.