Leicester Tigers star Alesana Tuilagi set for first appearance of season

Alesana Tuilagi is set to make his first appearance of the season when Leicester Tigers face Leeds at Welford Road on Saturday.

The 28-year-old Samoan winger broke a foot during the summer and stayed in the southern hemisphere while he recovered, including a spell of rehab at Kiwi Super 14 outfit Auckland Blues.

Visa and work permit-related problems kept Tuilagi away longer than expected and, when he finally arrived in England three weeks ago, he reported back 12 kilogrammes (almost two stones) overweight.

That left head coach Richard Cockerill less than happy with his star winger, and the veteran of 91 appearances in Tigers colours was put on a weight-loss programme.

"He has had a broken foot and that, combined with being 12 kilos overweight, doesn't help," said Cockerill two weeks ago.

"I want him back – but I want him fit."

Speaking at yesterday's press conference though, Cockerill said that Tuilagi had worked hard and would be in the match-day squad for the Guinness Premiership clash against Leeds.

"Alex will be in the 23 this weekend," said Cockerill.

"He has lost a few pounds, is looking sharp and is desperate to play, that is good news for us."

Fly-half Toby Flood could be in line for his first starting role of the season after recovering from a ruptured Achilles and making two appearances off the bench.

Cockerill added that both Sam Vesty and Harry Ellis were "not far away" from a comeback, and that Leicester's England contingent were available after returning from international duty.

"The England guys are back and, depending on how fit and fresh they feel, we will get them involved where possible," said Cockerill.

"The back row especially will be tough to select because we have guys coming back as well as some who have put in some good performances while they have been away.

"We have to make sure the balance of the team is right."

Tigers will be without winger Johne Murphy who has been retained by Ireland A.

They will take on Argentina Jaguars on Friday night.

Murphy came on as a substitute in the triumph over Tonga two weeks ago.

Props Martin Castrogiovanni and Marcos Ayerza will also be missing as they continue their international duty with Italy and Argentina respectively.

Former Tigers scrum-half Julien Dupuy has kept his place in the France side which hosts New Zealand in Marseille on Saturday night.

Tigers' match at Guinness Premiership leaders Saracens on New Year's Day could be moved back two days.

The decision will depend on whether Saracens' landlords, Watford FC, are drawn at home in the FA Cup.

The game is currently scheduled to kick-off at 3pm on Friday, January 1, at Vicarage Road.

However, if Coca-Cola Championship outfit Watford need the pitch for a third-round fixture over that weekend, the game may be moved to a 3pm kick-off on Sunday, January 3.

The draw for the third round of the FA Cup is scheduled to be held on November 30.

Tigers Academy secured a ninth win from 10 games this season with a 27-10 victory over Loughborough Students at Oval Park on Saturday.