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Billy Vunipola could make a return to action for Saracens on Sunday

Billy Vunipola in Champions Cup action for Saracens
Image: Billy Vunipola could feature for Saracens on Sunday

Saracens have revealed that Billy Vunipola could make his long-awaited return to action on Sunday against London Irish.

The England No 8 fractured his arm in January, adding to a torrid 18-month spell that also included substantial lay-offs due to knee and shoulder surgery.

Saracens have managed his recovery carefully and will not rush him back, although his return will be a huge boost as the Premiership heads towards the semi-finals.

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Director of rugby Mark McCall is keen to give the 25-year-old some game time before the Aviva Premiership play-offs and a final call will be made shortly before the team is announced for Sunday's clash against London Irish.

"We'll make a decision on Friday as to whether he's involved this weekend or whether we give him until next weekend," McCall.

"He's close but hasn't had a lot of field sessions and (Wednesday) was probably his toughest session so we'll see how he reacts and make a decision on Friday.

Billy Vunipola of Saracens goes off injured during the Aviva Premiership match between Saracens and Sale Sharks in 2017
Image: Vunipola was been ruled out for 16 weeks with the cartilage damage in September 2017

"It's been almost 16 weeks that he's been out and we just need to be careful to put him into a rugby match without playing much rugby; although he's been out for that long, he was out for quite a long time with his previous injury and he doesn't really have a bank of games behind him this year. I think he's only played three full matches.

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"It would be useful for him to have a couple of games before the semi-final for him to get back to somewhere near his best. The more game time he can get the better for Billy."