Gloucester's Mike Tindall's a doubt for Leicester clash

Gloucester and Leicester have key players battling for fitness as they prepare to meet each other in the Premiership semi-final at Kingsholm on Sunday.

Mike Tindall is Gloucester's biggest concern after the England star picked up an ankle injury against Bath last week and fellow centre Anthony Allen is also doubtful.

Leicester second-row Louis Deacon has already been ruled out by a back injury and Irish full-back Johne Murphy is troubled by a swollen knee.

Dean Ryan, the Gloucester head coach, said: "We've got an awful lot of bumps and bruises and 'Tins' is our main concern. But we're in front of a fantastic support base so that gives us a good chance. I think we do get an edge at home and we feel more comfortable."

Under-fire Leicester coach Marcelo Loffreda is trying to hold on to his job and could do with a boost from Murphy, who has been a key attacking weapon this season.

Loffreda said: "Johne had some swelling in his knee but he is getting better and has a big chance of playing.

"Gloucester are the best team at the moment. They are strong but it depends what happens in that 80 minutes and not before."