England prop Andrew Sheridan is set to make his comeback five months after suffering a World Cup-ending injury in New Zealand.

Sheridan returns to the Sale Sharks front row for their Aviva Premiership clash against Worcester at Edgeley Park, his first club appearance since Good Friday.

He suffered a shoulder injury during England's opening pool game against Argentina in Dunedin last September, and could take no further part in the tournament.

"The medical staff have done a great job getting him back in shape," Sale head coach Tony Hanks said. "It is testament to the hard work that Andrew has put in that he is able to return slightly ahead of schedule. He has been buzzing this week."

Sheridan, who will link up with French club Toulon next season, is joined in the Sale line-up by his England colleagues Mark Cueto and Hendre Fourie, while Welsh trio Dwayne Peel, Nick Macleod and Marc Jones also feature, fresh from agreeing new contracts this week.

Victory for Sale would lift them two places into fifth, but they face a Worcester side that have won their last two Premiership games and climbed away from relegation danger.

Hanks added: "During training this week, a step up in intensity among the guys has been evident.

"This game against the Warriors will be a benchmark to see how far we've progressed since our meeting on the opening day of the season (when Worcester won 17-12)."

Warriors head coach Richard Hill hands a Premiership debut to former Cornish Pirates back-row forward Blair Cowan, with England internationals Andy Goode and Shaun Perry teaming up at half-back.

Hill said: "This is a crucial game for both teams as they will want to return to winnings ways in the league, and we know a win would put us close to them in the standings."