Northampton flanker Calum Clark will return from his 32-week ban against Leicester Tigers this weekend.
Clark was suspended for hyper-extending the arm of Leicester hooker Rob Hawkins in the LV= Cup final back in March.
The suspension ruled him out of England's tour to South Africa and the start of the new Aviva Premiership season, making Saturday his first opportunity to play for Northampton in what will be a hostile encounter at Welford Road.
"When he got suspended you look at the next game he's available and that's this coming Saturday, so you can guarantee Calum will be in the squad this week," Mallinder told the Northampton Chronicle.
"There are no worries about that whatsoever. There are so many things that happen in rugby, you can't keep looking back and talking about that.
"You've got to look to the future and it's all about this Saturday.
"I'm sure Leicester aren't talking about it, we as a team have not spoken about it and Calum is focused on his performance, getting back to playing for Northampton and doing the best he can to beat Leicester.
"Leicester is a hostile environment, without a doubt. It's going to be at full capacity from what I've heard: 24,000 people there.
"Calum has been thinking about that throughout this period and I'm sure he'll be fine on Saturday."
Comments
NHsaints says...
He's a good player and clearly he saw red before, I hope he puts this well behind him (as Hartley did with the gouging incident) and goes clean for the rest of his career because if he does he's a very promising player.
Posted 09:56 02nd November 2012
Jediboy says...
I'm a Saints fan and it pains me to know that this person will play for the Saints again.
I never want to see his name on the team sheet.
Posted 20:14 01st November 2012
APV1 says...
Rather him than me - I suspect his welcoming committee and reception will be interesting...
Posted 16:47 01st November 2012