Christophers in fitness fight

England wing Phil Christophers is battling to be fit for Bristol Shoguns’ Heineken Cup clash against Montferrand next Sunday.

Christophers, who won caps against Argentina and South Africa last year, is struggling with a rib injury.

He missed last weekend’s Zurich Premiership defeat at Harlequins, and could also sit out Bristol’s difficult Pool Four encounter in France.

Utility back Shane Drahm (ankle) is another a doubt, but hooker Saul Nelson returns to the squad after recovering from a perforated ear-drum and virus, and flanker Michael Lipman should also be available following five weeks out nursing various injuries.

To have any chance of reaching the Heineken Cup quarter-finals, Bristol must win their remaining two games – against Montferrand and Leinster – and hope other results work for them.