Finn Russell has made a quickfire return from injury after being named in the Bath team to face Newcastle Falcons on Friday night. 

The Scotland captain suffered a groin injury during the Champions Cup defeat to Northampton Exeter in April and it had been feared he would miss the rest of the season. 

Bath initially described the injury as significant but head coach Johann van Graan had indicated that he would be monitored weekly and if he could return before the end of the season he would use him. 

If he comes through unscathed against Newcastle then Russell will be hoping to play a big part in the Premiership run in as they try to reach the play-offs. 

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Bath currently sit third in the table, with Northampton and Saracens above them. Bristol Bears and Harlequins are both only one point behind though while Sale sit in sixth a further two points back. 

Newcastle currently sit bottom of the Premiership though so Bath will be hoping they can get a big win and solidify their place in the top four before their final game against Northampton next week. 

Russell is joined in the starting XV by fellow Scotland international Cameron Redpath, who also had his own injury issues recently. 

He returned to action to face Saracens at the end of last month while another Scot, Josh Bayliss, is among the replacements.