Lions boss Clive Woodward last night received a double boost surrounding two of his potential Test-match stars against the All Blacks - Newcastle pair Jonny Wilkinson and Colin Charvis.Woodward will announce his squad on Monday.
While England captain Wilkinson will remain on the sidelines again this weekend, against Worcester, his latest comeback from injury appears imminent.
Wales international Charvis, meanwhile, returns to the starting grid after three months out when he lines out for Newcastle against Zurich Premiership opponents Worcester at Kingston Park on Sunday. Charvis last played against Newport Gwent Dragons on January 16th.
And there is further good news for Woodward, with England World Cup centre Will Greenwood featuring in Harlequins colours tomorrow following a four-month absence recovering from shoulder surgery.
Newcastle coach Rob Andrew last night revealed Wilkinson is very close to full fitness. Wilkinson has not played since Newcastle's Premiership defeat against 'Quins almost four weeks ago, when he suffered his second knee injury of the season. A return against Northampton tomorrow week must now be distinctly possible. If Newcastle reach the Premiership wildcard play-offs, there are potentially five games Wilkinson could be involved in between now and Lions departure date of May 25th.
England prop Julian White will again be sidelined this weekend. White sits out the Welford Road appointment with Sale Sharks tomorrow because of a "stinger" injury. His problem, which affects the neck and arm area, is a cause of concern. His fellow World Cup winner Phil Vickery (broken arm) is also out of action. Vickery suffered a setback this week as his forearm has not repaired itself.
Meanwhile, Jonah Lomu is set to return to the game less than a year after his kidney transplant. The 29-year-old wing is expected to sign a contract to play in New Zealand's National Provincial Championship. He will join North Harbour in the championship's first division.
Leicester's plans to move in with the city's soccer club have been delayed until the season after next. The club was keen to move in at Leicester City's Walkers Stadium from the start of next season.
