Northampton Saints and England full-back Ben Foden could return to action this weekend following ankle surgery.
Foden was sidelined back in September during an Aviva Premiership match against Bath, and has watched his spot in the England side be taken by Alex Goode so far in November's Tests.
Returing to fitness ahead of schedule, Foden could play a part in Saints' Aviva Premiership clash against London Welsh this Saturday.
"I started running again at the end of last week and did some change of direction running this morning, which went pretty well so I am hoping to start the rugby sessions on Tuesday or Wednesday," Foden told The Daily Telegraph.
"Then it is up to the coaches to decide if I am ready. If it is not this weekend it should be definitely the game against Sale on November 30
"When the injury was first diagnosed, my return was scheduled for the away game against Ulster (in the Heineken Cup on Dec 17) but I heal fast.
"I have been in every day doing all the right things and I had a good surgeon and the operation went well. He still said it would be 12 weeks before I could play again but I am around four weeks ahead of that."
Comments
jehosophat says...
I thought Alex Goode was supposed to be one of the fastest in the England squad? One of the young full backs is supposed to be... Pace is vital at 15.
Foden's attacking skills have been really missed by England, he is a quality counterattacking player and pretty safe all round, let's hope he makes a full recovery. If he's only started running last week I hope he is eased back into it!
Posted 12:48 22nd November 2012
ben7 says...
@rugby_rockstar i think you mean ALEX Goode.
Posted 02:03 21st November 2012
NHsaints says...
Can't wait, England and Saints have missed you Ben, Goode's countering was woeful on saturday, yours on the other hand is sublime, this is really great news.
Posted 22:04 20th November 2012
Warrior7 says...
RR - its Alex Goode - not that Andy lacks pace for his belly! Just Andy is tied up playing 10 for Worcester. ;)
Posted 21:03 20th November 2012
Jediboy says...
Good news all round. For Saints and England.
Posted 16:18 20th November 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
Can't wait for Saints Sale game. A certain Ozzie Sale back may have a point to make.
Posted 14:09 20th November 2012
rugby_rockstar says...
My first thought is PACE.
Mike brown has a fearsome drive and workrate but isn't regarded the fastest test 15.
Andy goode has the mental agility and great feet to be a great counter attacker, but against is he fast enough to put away those tough touch downs???
Finally we have foden who brings out and out finishing to the table. He's also not a greedy player either as Chris Ashton ought to acknowledge.
you look at Dagg, Priotrenaud, Beale when Australia had the choice to play him at 15. the best attacking sides back PACE all the way so come on Ben, we need you back for the 6 nations.
and andy goode have great attitudes
Posted 13:53 20th November 2012