Saracens boost as England star Maro Itoje and Billy Vunipola available to face Sale

Saracens have been boosted by the return of England star Maro Itoje and No8 Billy Vunipola for Sunday’s clash with Sale Sharks.

Itoje has been away with England this month, competing in the Autumn Nations Series, but he returned to training this week and will start against Sale.

No8 Vunipola is also back in action after recovering from a knee injury that has kept him out since the start of this month.

He is joined in the side by full-back Max Malins, who is back after his England exploits, and South Africa prop Vincent Koch and Wales centre Nick Tomkins will be alongside him too after returning from international duty.

Following two weeks of Premiership Rugby Cup action, Saracens have recalled many of their big guns for the return of the Premiership this weekend.

Only wing Rotimi Segun has kept his place in the starting XV from last week’s loss to London Irish, with director of rugby Mark McCall ringing the changes.

Prop Mako Vunipola, who was overlooked by England this month, is back in the front-row and he will pack down alongside hooker Ethan Lewis, who is in for the injured Jamie George.

Owen Farrell also picked up an injury while with England and, as a result, Alex Goode will start at fly-half on Sunday. Alex Lozowski, who is also an option at 10 for Saracens, will start at outside-centre.

Sean Maitland, who was not part of the Scotland squad for the Autumn Nations Series, starts on the wing.