Mako Vunipola expected to play for England against Italy after 'decent' Saracens injury return

Saracens boss Mark McCall described Mako Vunipola's return from injury as "pretty decent" as the England prop closed in on a Test match return.

Vunipola, sidelined for nine weeks due to a knee ligament injury, played 70 minutes of Saracens' 31-23 Aviva Premiership defeat against Gloucester at Kingsholm.

And McCall said he is assuming that Vunipola will be involved when England resume Six Nations business against Twickenham visitors Italy on Sunday week.

England head coach Eddie Jones watched the loosehead's first appearance since mid-December, and McCall said: "We had an open mind as to how he (Vunipola) was going to go.

"He felt pretty good. I thought he did well, given he's been out for eight or nine weeks. Overall, I thought he was pretty decent.

"I am assuming he is going to play against Italy in some form, and I think the game-time he got tonight will have been important for him."

Mako's brother - England number eight Billy Vunipola - is continuing his recovery from a knee injury suffered on Test duty last November, and McCall added: "Billy is going very well.

"He is definitely ahead of schedule, and it will depend how the next week or so goes regarding when he comes back."