Dan Luger could be excused for concealing himself in cotton wool as Saracens prepare to take the wraps off their star-studded Premiership squad.

A watching brief awaits the 25-year-old England wing when Saracens launch a new league campaign against Vicarage Road visitors Gloucester next Sunday.

An injury sustained during England's successful summer tour of South Africa means that Luger faces another afternoon kicking his heels in frustration as Thomas Castaignede, Kyran Bracken and company prepare for action.

But it is hardly a novel experience, given that Luger has yet to start a match in Saracens colours, despite joining them more than 12 months ago from London rivals Harlequins.

Last season, a serious groin problem saw Luger laid low after England's failed World Cup campaign.

It was almost seven months until he resurfaced, making one substitute's appearance before joining the Barbarians' short Whitsun tour.

In England boss Clive Woodward's eyes, that was enough match practice to justify selection for South Africa, where Luger marked his international return with a try during an undeserved first Test defeat against the Springboks.

Having regained an England place at the expense of Six Nations star Ben Cohen though, Luger promptly lost it again.

After taking the full force of a collision with Springboks hardman Andre Venter on his chest, a damaged sternum ended his tour early.

Cohen was restored to the line-up, England won the second Test in Bloemfontein and Luger could only contemplate what might have been.

``It was a very frustrating way to end the tour,'' said Luger, whose 12 tries in 16 Tests rank him among world rugby's most lethal finishers.

``I had got my place back and everything was going well, but then it wasn't to be.

``The consolation is that two months before England left for South Africa, I didn't think I would be on the tour. Looking back, it was a bonus to play in another Test.

``The challenge now, is that I know I've got to do it all over again, but competition for an England place will make me play better.

``I am aiming for a good start to the season, score some tries and hopefully get our supporters at Saracens on their feet.''

Luger's latest injury setback meant he was unable to take part in contact sessions during Saracens' pre-season preparations.

But all other training, including speed work and fitness, has not proved a problem, indicating that long-delayed full Saracens debut is just around the corner.

Then, there is England's Twickenham appointment with world champions Australia on November 18, which you imagine has already secured an entry in Luger's diary of aims and objectives.

``It certainly feels as if I am starting all over again with Saracens,'' he admitted.

``The good thing is though, that I've been here a year now, and while I might have only played 30-odd minutes, I know everyone at the club.

``Morale here has always been good, but with people like Thomas Castaignede and Tim Horan joining, it has lifted the club even higher.''

Luger, who believes he is quicker now than a year ago despite his chronic lack of games, accepts that pressure is on for Saracens to deliver the goods.

``When you look at our squad on paper, then we should be right up there with the best of them,'' he said.

``It's different talking about it, as opposed to getting out there and doing the job, but I don't see why we can't do it.

``We have got the set-up, so there are no excuses really.

``If you look at Leicester, they've won the last two league titles because of their consistency week after week, which is something we must try and aspire to.

``Hopefully, I can now stay injury-free and play a full part in that.''

Saracens supporters and England followers everywhere will say Amen to that.