Kevin Sorrell returns to Guinness Premiership action tomorrow insisting Saracens can still feature in the title play-offs.

Saracens have sorely missed Sorrell's midfield craft during a two-month absence while he recovered from an ankle injury.

The Heineken Cup quarter-finalists have slipped to sixth place, and they now face a tough task collecting enough points from remaining games against Leeds Carnegie, Gloucester, Wasps, Bath and Bristol to revive their challenge.

A maximum points haul is vital when relegation favourites Leeds arrive at Vicarage Road tomorrow, which makes Sorrell's comeback a timely one.

He said: ''It has taken longer than I had hoped to get back, and I can't wait to get back out on the pitch again.

''This is a crucial game for both sides, and for differing reasons.

''We need the win to keep up the pressure on the teams in the top four and Leeds are fighting for their lives.

''We've made it difficult for ourselves with our results in recent weeks, but it is not impossible.''

Sorrell will be partnered by Adam Powell in midfield - Andy Farrell drops to the bench - while other changes include Kris Chesney replacing injured lock Chris Jack, with hooker Matt Cairns and prop Cencus Johnston also called up.

Saracens rugby director Alan Gaffney added: ''This game is vital if we are to keep up a challenge in the Premiership.

''Adam Powell has been battling it out with Andy Farrell at inside centre all season, so this week is his opportunity, and injuries have forced us into a few other changes but it is great to have Kevin Sorrell back in the line-up.

''Everyone is fully aware of what needs to be done, and also the dangers that Leeds possess.

''We've played them twice this season but those results will count for nothing.

''Their recent results and performances have been good, and that is the sign of a team that has found its feet in the Premiership after a difficult start.''

Leeds, though, paid a heavy price for their narrow victory over Newcastle last Friday night.

Four players - Alberto Di Bernardo, Lee Blackett, Tommy McGee and Jon Dunbar - have joined an already lengthy injury list, with changes for the trip to Vicarage Road including James Brooks starting at fly-half.

Mid-table sides London Irish and Bristol meet at the Madejski Stadium tomorrow, with Mike Catt moving from centre to fly-half for Irish as the Exiles target a quick recovery after last Saturday's defeat at Bath.

Changes following that game include starts for full-back Peter Hewat, centre Gonzalo Tiesi, hooker Stuart Mackie and prop Tonga Lea'aetoa in Irish's final fixture before their Heineken Cup quarter-final clash against Perpignan next weekend.

Bristol boss Richard Hill, meanwhile, hands a full debut to academy flanker Iain Grieve as he begins casting an eye towards next season.

Elsewhere, hooker Mark Regan, lock Sean Hohneck and flanker Joe El Abd return, while centre Rob Higgitt has recovered from a knock and replaces Sam Cox in midfield.

Hill said: ''I am going to take the opportunity to rest a few players throughout the next few games, as it's really about looking at next season now, keeping players fresh and taking a look at one or two of the youngsters.

''I can now experiment a little. There is no point putting a load of youngsters in, but I can try one or two at a time, which is good for them and we can see what they are like.''