Vickery has been hit by a series of injuries

The Gloucester star had hoped to return from a broken arm against Leeds on 9 April - before Woodward's announcement.

But club medics have told him he must delay his comeback for two-three weeks as the fracture has not fully healed.

Vickery will now be hoping to play a part in Gloucester's final games of the season against Sale and Saracens.

The 29-year-old damaged his arm during a Zurich Premiership fixture against Bath in mid-February and consequently he has been unable to stake a claim for inclusion in Woodward's squad.

The Lions boss will reveal his touring party on Monday, 11 April.

I am doing everything I can to work on my fitness Phil Vickery

Vickery said: "It is frustrating, just like the entire season has been. But the arm has got to be ready for top-flight rugby.

"It has been six weeks since the Bath game, and I have just got to wait for it to heal.

"I want to be part of Gloucester's end of season and play a role in this season's climax and I am doing everything I can to work on my fitness.

"A return for Gloucester is first and foremost in my mind."

I think the front row is one area Henry will target. We need Vickery out there From WA Have your say on Scrum V

Vickery has suffered a string of injury setbacks in recent times.

He was sidelined for several months by back surgery last year.

He then suffered a blow-out fracture to his eye-socket in a league game against Wasps, before sustaining his current injury problem a fortnight into England's Six Nations campaign.