SARACENS are set to be boosted by the return of Cobus Visagie for the visit of London Irish on Sunday, kick-off 3pm.

The 31-year-old former Springbok international has missed the last three games with a back problem but is expected to take his place in the side providing he comes through training unscathed today (Friday).

The scrummaging power of the prop has been badly missed and head coach Mike Ford is all too aware of his importance to the side.

"He is one of the best tight-heads in the world," said Ford. "The domination in the scrum is something that we don't want to lose and one of the reasons for that is because we have got Cobus and we are looking forward to having him back everybody respects him. The number of scrums he has packed down in over the years sometimes takes its toll so we just have to look after him."

Visagie should be joined in the line-up by Thomas Castaignede who missed the game at Cardiff after injuring his back in the weights room.

His return will ease a back-line injury crisis that has left the coaching staff without Andy Farrell, Dan Harris, Nnambi Obi, Ben Johnston, Richard Haughton and Mark Bartholomeusz, while Nicky Little is suspended.

Hamstring victims Johnston and Haughton could be back in contention for the trip to Bristol next week but Vaikona, last season's player of the year, is possibly another three weeks away from a return to action.

"We've been a bit unfortunate with TV," said Ford. "We took a little bit of gamble on him at home against Leeds and it backfired a little bit. We just wanted to see if he could get him a through a game and then manage the (heel) injury. But he could be now another two of three weeks away."

The shortage of backs has created a chance for Adam Powell and Ford is delighted with the contribution he has made.

"Adam was outstanding again on Monday night," said the head coach. "He has come through the Academy and has stepped up to the plate. He's done nothing wrong and is a very promising youngster with a great attitude."

Powell is likely to be named as one of only two available two backs on the bench for Sunday's Powergen Cup clash - a game that sees the Men in Black bidding to end a miserable run of eight defeats in their last nine matches against the Exiles.

"They have been playing some really good football not like the London Irish of old," added Ford. "They are running the ball nicely and have got some good offloaders in the side in the likes of Olivier Magne and are playing with a new found confidence.

"They always fancy their chances against Saracens so we know it's going to be a tough game. It's all about us though, and if we do our jobs right then we should come out winners."