Feyi-Waboso returns to training as Exeter receive double injury boost

Immanuel Feyi-Waboso has returned to training after an injury absence and is expected to be available for England's Nations Championship matches next month, BBC Sport reported on Tuesday. The Exeter player could make his comeback against Harlequins on Saturday, although his involvement in that Premiership fixture remains dependent on his recovery continuing to progress.

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The 23-year-old underwent scans over the weekend after missing Exeter's two most recent matches. He had limped off during the second half of their victory over Newcastle earlier this month. His return to training is a step towards playing again, but Exeter have not yet confirmed that he will take part against Harlequins.

Rob Baxter told BBC Sport that having Feyi-Waboso available would be valuable given his international quality, while stressing that the club still needed his recovery to keep moving forward. Feyi-Waboso has scored twice in three Premiership appearances for Exeter this season. The latest update therefore offers encouragement for both his club and England coach Steve Borthwick ahead of the November internationals.

Feyi-Waboso's international season has already included a separate injury setback. A hamstring problem sustained in January ruled him out of this year's Six Nations. He subsequently played in all three of England's Nations Championship matches over the summer, scoring tries against Fiji and Argentina. The current expectation that he will be fit next month follows that return to the England side.

Exeter also received encouraging news about Australia forward Tom Hooper, whose shoulder injury in Saturday's defeat at Bristol is not considered serious. The 25-year-old left the field shortly before half-time, having fractured his scapula over the summer. Baxter said the initial assessment pointed to a heavy blow at the previous fracture site, causing pain, numbness and reduced mobility rather than a catastrophic new injury.

Hooper will be assessed daily and could also be available to face Harlequins. BBC Sport reported that he is expected to be fit for Australia's November programme, when the Wallabies face England, Scotland and Wales in the Nations Championship. For now, Exeter will monitor his symptoms through the week before determining whether he can return for the club.