Gloucester issue fitness updates ahead of key Falcons clash

ONE-CAP England international winger Ollie Thorley could return to action for Gloucester's final game of the season, director of rugby George Skivington revealed.

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Thorley, inset, suffered a knee injury in the victory over Northampton Saints at the end of November and was expected to be out for the rest of the season, but is now touch and go to return to face Northampton at the end of the month.

Gloucester director of rugby George Skivington said: "Thorlo's actually at the very back end of his rehab. I don’t think you'll see him again this season, but you never know. You never know."

More immediately, tomorrow night the Cherry and Whites head to Kingston Park to take on Newcastle Falcons in a must-win game for the West Country side after last weekend’s 38-19 defeat to Harlequins leaves them as long shots to make the play-offs, having dropped down to sixth, three points adrift of fourth.