Harlequins
are expected to be without England stars Danny Care and Joe Marler for their crunch Champions Cup quarter-final clash in Bordeaux.
Veterans Care and Marler have both been carrying injury niggles but also made an immediate return to club action without any break after the Six Nations.
Harlequins will head into their biggest game since the 2021 Premiership final without two of their most influential and experienced men, for a daunting trip to Bordeaux on Saturday.
Rugby director Billy Millard admitted Harlequins have had to take some tricky selection decisions this week, after beating Glasgow last weekend threw up another welcome – but challenging – fixture.
“There are definitely guys in the building who we are managing at the moment,” said Millard.
“Post any Six Nations there are a group of players who need a rest and there is another group who are in a different world.
“There are definitely some conversations and management going on through the squad.”
Asked if Quins will select their strongest team this weekend, Millard continued: “Player welfare and injuries come in front of that, but we will be putting our best foot forward.