Alex Moreno returns to the Leicester Tigers squad this weekend with a glowing reference from head coach Pat Howard. The Italian international prop has not played a first-team game since the opening match of the season against Sale Sharks and is understandably keen to get back involved.
Moreno damaged a calf muscle in the warm-up before the following game at Bath and has only had brief game-time with the development XV since. But the 33-year-old is now ready to resume his claims to a first-team place and has been named among the replacements for today's Guinness Premiership match against Worcester at Welford Road.
"The physios and medics have done a good job with Alex to get him back to match fitness," said Howard. "The target for Alex was always to be back in contention during the autumn international fixtures. We are without Julian White this week, and we lose Marcos Ayerza and Martin Castrogiovanni after the Worcester game, so we were really keen to get Alex back during this period.
"He is very experienced, he has played at the highest level, he is a big presence in the squad, on and off the field, and an important member of the squad. It's great to have him back."
During the autumn internationals, Guinness Premiership clubs are allowed to field three overseas players - hence why Marcos Ayerza and Daryl Gibson both start for Tigers against Worcester.
Moreno damaged a calf muscle in the warm-up before the following game at Bath and has only had brief game-time with the development XV since. But the 33-year-old is now ready to resume his claims to a first-team place and has been named among the replacements for today's Guinness Premiership match against Worcester at Welford Road.
"The physios and medics have done a good job with Alex to get him back to match fitness," said Howard. "The target for Alex was always to be back in contention during the autumn international fixtures. We are without Julian White this week, and we lose Marcos Ayerza and Martin Castrogiovanni after the Worcester game, so we were really keen to get Alex back during this period.
"He is very experienced, he has played at the highest level, he is a big presence in the squad, on and off the field, and an important member of the squad. It's great to have him back."
During the autumn internationals, Guinness Premiership clubs are allowed to field three overseas players - hence why Marcos Ayerza and Daryl Gibson both start for Tigers against Worcester.
