Tom Curry set for timely comeback as Sale take on Bath in Premiership semi-final after England flanker spent months out with ‘car crash’ hip injury

Tom Curry is set for his first appearance since the World Cup with a timely return to Sale’s starting line-up in Saturday’s Premiership semi-final against Bath.

The 25-year-old flanker had a six-hour hip operation after the global showpiece last autumn, to rectify chronic damage which he described as a ‘car crash’. 

It was initially feared that the acclaimed England openside would miss the entire domestic campaign, but he has made a faster recovery than was first expected.

In his absence, Sale have stormed up the league table from eighth place to finish third and earn a semi-final in the West Country. 

Now, Tom is understood to have been cleared for a comeback, and he is poised to resume his double Curry alliance with twin brother Ben, who has been in commanding form in leading the Sharks’ late-season title charge.

Curry described the chronic damage he suffered as a ‘car crash’ and he underwent a six-hour operation following England’s World Cup campaign last autumn 

Curry pictured after Sale Sharks beat Leicester in last season’s Premiership semi-final

There is a chance that both siblings could be chosen for the England summer tour of Japan and New Zealand, unless head coach Steve Borthwick decides that it makes sense in the circumstances to give Tom an extended break. 

On Saturday at The Rec, the Currys will have an ideal opportunity to showcase their Test credentials in a breakdown and gainline showdown with Bath’s renowned hit-man and fellow Red Rose back-rower, Sam Underhill.

In late March, Bath beat Sale 42-24 at home, but since then Alex Sanderson’s side have picked up a remarkable haul of 24 league points from a possible 25 – and clinched their play-off place by upsetting champions Saracens away from home.