Kyle Sinckler’s return to club action with Harlequins could not come a moment a too soon according to boss Paul Gustard.

Quins are dealing with a growing injury crisis in the early stages of this season with Mike Brown and Scott Baldwin the latest new names on a long list of absentees.

They include the likes of Nathan Earle, Jack Clifford and Joe Marchant as well as Baldwin’s fellow hookers Max Crumpton and Rob Buchanan.

But the good news for Quins is that, a week after Joe Marler’s return, fellow England prop Sinckler is back on the bench this weekend for the first time since the World Cup final.

Quins welcome Gloucester Rugby to the Stoop on Sunday, desperate to build on their European win over Bath last time out.

And the return of Sinckler is just the tonic Gustard’s troops need.

“It is great to have someone of the quality and experience of Kyle back in the squad. He has slotted back into training well and we look forward to seeing him back in action after a superb World Cup in Japan.

"We look forward to him making a significant impact when he enters the field and I am sure our fans will demonstrate to him their support through their voice and applause.

“We look forward to building on a good win against Bath last week as we return to the Gallagher Premiership. This is an important match for us as we look to continue positive momentum.”

The starting XV for Quins this weekend shows a number of changes, Alex Dombrandt is back fit at No.8 while Ross Chisholm is at full-back with Cadan Murley and Gabriel Ibitoye on the wings.

Marler remains in an unchanged front row that includes Elia Elia and Will Collier.

But they will have their work cut out for them against a Gloucester side that have recalled Danny Cipriani at No.10 as well as Springbok World Cup winner Franco Mostert, who like Sinckler will be playing his first game since the World Cup final.

Gloucester lost both of their European clashes over the last fortnight, against Toulouse at home and then away at Montpellier.

And head coach Johan Ackermann has demanded a response from his side in south west London.

“It’s now time for a performance, and I know that Harlequins are going to feel the same.

“They’re a quality side and had a good win last weekend.

“It’s not going to be easy, but I feel it’s time for us to be good from the start, from the set-piece through to our attacking game.”