Pat Lam, Bristol’s director of rugby, believes Semi Radradra will be back in action and give his struggling team a lift.
Fiji’s highly-rated centre, 30 years old, has not played since April due to a knee injury. But, they have been selected for Saturday’s visit by Leicester.
The Bears are now second from the bottom in the Premiership, having won only twice.
Lam explained to BBC Radio Bristol that “the more of our world-class athletes that we have back playing the better we become as an overall team naturally,” Lam said.
“You can feel the hunger in his eyes and he’s eager and ready to go.
“It’s given confidence to a lot of guys, so he’s looking forward getting his first hit out for a while.”
Radradra has scored 12 times in 38 appearances for Bristol since his move from Bordeaux in the summer 2020. However, Radradra has had to miss a few games due to injury.
Lam stated, “Everyone outside observes the impact of his playing on the field. Once those injuries happened, he still managed to help others.”
“Semi just takes a few guys and gives them little advice and nuggets, but then you can see his professionalism in treatment and rehabilitation.
“Some of his injuries on that knee, while some players wouldn’t be able to come back from them, but he’s hardworking and puts in the effort.”