Flutey will move from Wasps to Brive after the tour

British and Irish Lions centre Riki Flutey will return to training on Monday ahead of the match against the Sharks in Durban two days later.

The England back suffered a knee injury after coming on against the Royal XV in the opening match of the tour of South Africa in Rustenburg eight days ago.

Provided he comes through training, Flutey will be available to face South Africa's second-placed Super 14 side.

Only he and fellow centre Gordon d'Arcy are yet to start a match on tour.

Team doctor James Robson said: "Riki did quite a nasty piece of damage to his knee a week ago, so much so that I thought he would be the first person out of South Africa.

"Almost two-hourly he has been attending treatment, and that includes treating himself through the night.

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"Riki has been setting his own clock. His treatment included a pressure sleeve around the particular area, then you filter very cold water through it.

"It cools it down and puts it under intermittent pressure as well. It's all designed to help reduce swelling and promote blood supply to the deep tissues."

In his eight-day absence, Flutey has seen Wales international Jamie Roberts stake a claim to a Test spot with two strong performances, particularly excelling alongside Brian O'Driscoll in the 74-10 win over the Golden Lions.

Flanker Martyn Williams is the one member of the squad ruled out for the fourth game of the tour as he continues his rehabilitation from a shoulder injury.

The Welshman withdrew from the side which overcame Free State Cheetahs 26-24 on Saturday to allow the strain, picked up in training, more time to fully heal.

After three matches at altitude, the Lions are now based in sea-level Durban, where they will play the first Test against the Springboks on Saturday, 20 June.

Robson added: "I can't remember any time at this comparative stage in any of the tours I've been on when we only had one person not fit for selection after three games."

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