Saracens expect Owen Farrell back for Euro semis clash against Clermont

England fly-half Owen Farrell is set to be available for Saracens' European Rugby Champions Cup semi-final against French side Clermont next weekend, the London club said Saturday.

Farrell has been out of action since suffering a knee injury during Saracens’ pool phase loss to Clermont nearly three months ago and, subsequently, the 23-year-old missed the entire Six Nations Championship.

“Owen Farrell should be fine for next week,” said Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall, after his side disposed of English Premiership play-off rivals Leicester 22-6 at Allianz Park on Saturday.

However, while it remains to be seen if Farrell starts against Clermont or is merely among the replacements in Saint Etienne, his presence will undeniably bolster Saracens’ bid to reach a second successive senior European final.

Having edged past Racing Metro 12-11 in their Champions Cup quarter-final, Saracens’ return to domestic action was rather less nerve-wracking.

They regained second place in the Premiership from Bath after tries either side of half-time by England number eight Billy Vunipola, Argentina centre Marcelo Bosch and American wing Chris Wyles – plus two conversions from former England fly-half Charlie Hodgson – obliterated Leicester’s early 6-0 lead secured by two Freddie Burns penalties.

Hodgson added a 62nd-minute penalty as Saracens scored 15 unanswered points.