Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill has confirmed that Dan Cole will play in Sunday's LV= Cup clash against Sale Sharks following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The 27-year-old has not played since January due to a neck injury, which required surgery in the summer.

However, Cole is fit to compete, which has sparked suggestions that the prop could feature in England's Autumn Internationals.

"He will have some game time," Cockerill told BBC Radio Leicester. "He will play off the bench."

England begin their campaign against New Zealand on Saturday.