The Battle: Geoff Parling and Tom Croft set for Leicester Tigers return

Parling has not featured since the end of September due to concussion and there were fears over his future as that was the latest of a number of head traumas suffered by the 31-year-old.

However, Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill has revealed that the lock is poised to face the back-to-back European champions at Welford Road on December 7.

Flanker Croft is expected to feature against the wealthy French outfit after recovering from a knee injury that has restricted him to just one appearance for Leicester this season.

Croft missed most of last season due to a knee problem, but Cockerill also had positive news over the 29-year-old.

"Geoff Parling has been recovering from some concussion issues and is a week away from playing," said Cockerill.

"Croft trained [on Friday] and hopefully will start to get himself back in the fold to be picked. He is close. His knee is good and he will certainly be fit for Europe."

Cockerill revealed that England hooker Tom Youngs will play some part in Saturday's Aviva Premiership clash against Wasps after recovering from a shoulder injury ahead of schedule.

All three players will be expected to feature for England in the Six Nations if they stay injury-free.