Although his senior internationals have returned to the club this week during the gap in the RBS 6 Nations programme, Tigers head coach Howard says few of them are likely to be in his starting XV at Sixways on Saturday.
"We have spoken to the RFU about our intentions for this weekend and it is all very amicable," said Howard. "The international guys are having a lighter programme in their training this week and, if any of them are not properly fit or if they have any niggles, I will not use them. If they are fit and available then I will probably consider them for the bench at Worcester.
"That is our consistent message with players involved in the Italy, Scotland and Ireland squads as well as England.
"We are in the fortunate position where I am happy with the depth of the squad. We have a lot of faith in the guys in the second tier and we want them to keep pushing to challenge for their positions."
International prop Julian White will be considered for the Tigers' starting line-up.
Forwards coach Richard Cockerill said: "We do not have to rest the international players but the welfare of our players is key to us. The only person considered to start this week will be Julian because he has only played a small part with England in the last couple of games. We understand the international guys have had a tough couple of weeks and we will look after them, as we have all season."
The Tigers team to face Worcester will be named on www.leicestertigers.com at 11.45am this morning.
