Vickery has only played three times this season

England prop Phil Vickery hopes to return to action for Wasps at the weekend after five months on the sidelines following neck surgery.

Provided he comes through training this week he will be available for selection for Wasps' Guinness Premiership match at Worcester on Saturday.

Vickery, 34, had neck and shoulder surgery for the fourth time in October.

The prop has only played three times this season and has missed the last eight England Tests because of injury.

Vickery, who has publicly stated his desire to resume his international career, will have between four and seven matches, depending on how Wasps fare in the Guinness Premiership and Amlin Challenge Cup, to stake a claim for a summer tour with England.

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Manager Martin Johnson is expected to name a large touring party for the five-match tour of Australasia, featuring two Tests against the Wallabies, which will take place between 8-23 June.

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