WING Melani Nanai is set to be recalled to the starting line-up as Worcester Warriors return to Gallagher Premiership action on Saturday with a home clash against Sale Sharks (3pm).

The marquee summer signing featured in Warriors’ opening four league matches before being rested for the two-week European Challenge Cup (ECC) block.

Centre Ashley Beck and fly-half Jono Lance also did not travel to Russia and France as Warriors beat Enisei-STM before losing to Castres last weekend.

But director of rugby Alan Solomons says the trio are available for selection and look set to feature against Sharks.

“They played against Harlequins so we then gave them a break,” Solomons said.

“Ash played in all the Premiership games so we used the ECC to rotate our players and give everyone the opportunity to play.

“They are good players so they won’t have a problem slotting back in.

“They will all be available for selection.

“Melani is absolutely fine.

“I was impressed with his game against Harlequins. He played really well.

“He is looking good.”

Solomons admitted the English qualified player (EQP) threshold also played a part in the decision to leave Nanai, Beck and Lance at home.

“There is a payment received by the club,” said Solomons on the EQP rules.

“But in order to qualify for that you have to average 15 English players (per matchday 23) over a season for both the Premiership and European competition.

“You also have to average 16 for the Premiership Cup.

“We are aware of that, but we are certainly able to cope with that without a problem.

“It is a win-win situation as you are able to rotate players and give everybody an opportunity to play.

“The academy lads are obviously EQP so there is a dual purpose but primarily we are able to give these guys an opportunity.

“I thought the Russia trip was fantastic.

“We had eight academy players playing, 14 of the 23 had come through our system and that is our vision.”

Warriors fielded a stronger side against Castres with scrum-half Francois Hougaard, tighthead prop Nick Schonert and hooker Matt Moulds returning from injury.

“It was really good to have those guys back playing. They got 25 to 30 minutes which was invaluable,” Solomons said.

“They are all injury free and available for selection.”

Sale sit in third position on 11 points but like seventh-placed Warriors they have also won two and lost two.

“Sharks have got strength in depth,” Solomons added.

“They have acquired quite a lot of players, particularly from South Africa.

“It’s going to be a tough game, that’s for sure.

“We are reasonably pleased with the start that we have had to the season.

“But that’s all in the past now. Our focus has got to be on this game on the weekend.”