England scrum-half Harry Ellis is set to make his comeback from a long-term knee injury in Leicester's Guinness Premiership clash with Leeds on Saturday.

Ellis (pictured) has been absent from the sport since rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee 10 months ago in a league match with Bristol.

But the 25-year-old, who missed the World Cup, could make the Tigers' bench for the visit of struggling Leeds.

Ellis, who needed reconstructive surgery, also missed Leicester's Premiership and Heineken Cup finals last season as well as England's recent Six Nations campaign.

"I knew I would be out for a long time - I was on the crest of a wave and I had it all taken away," Ellis told the Leicester Mercury.

"Years ago, this injury would have been career-threatening and I have been lucky to have people around me who are experts.

"It has taught me how to be patient and has put a different perspective on life. I have accepted it and just got on with it.

"There is always someone worse off and I will come back as a better player and a better person."

Ellis - whose England position has been filled by Andy Gomarsall, Shaun Perry (also injured), Richard Wigglesworth and Peter Richards since his injury - has been training with the Tigers' first-team squad since the start of the month.

The news will come as a big boost for England coach Brian Ashton, whose attaacking options from number nine have been limited in Ellis's absence.

The Tigers' powerful Samoa wing Alesana Tuilagi could also make a return to the bench after a three-month absence due to a problem groin.

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport