Saracens Alex Goode returns to the side after four months on the sidelines as they face Sale Sharks in the Premiership Rugby Cup semi-final on Friday night.

A place in the final against Harlequins awaits the winners as Saracens seek redemption after missing out on the trophy in last year’s final against Northampton Saints.

Head coach Mark McCall has named a youthful 23-man squad, including 17 players that have come through the club’s academy.

One of those selected is 20-year-old lock Joel Kpoku, who believes the semi-final offers “a great opportunity” for his side.

“We’ve had good results in the previous Premiership Cup Games and we’ve now got to back it up against Sale Sharks,” said Kpoku, who has his twin brother, Jonathan, for company in the side.

“It’s massively exciting. Last year we reached the final and hopefully we can go one step further this time. It’s a great opportunity for all these boys.”

Saracens’ Tom Whiteley will lead the side out at the AJ Bell Stadium but both sides will be without their top try-scorers of the campaign.

Former Sarries winger Chris Ashton has not been selected in Steve Diamond’s side, while Nick Tompkins is set to make his first start for Wales against Ireland in the Six Nations this weekend.

Sale, who last time out beat the Premiership league leaders Exeter Chiefs 22-19 at Sandy Park, have made three changes to their XV with Denny Solomona and Marland Yarde included.

England’s Mark Wilson, who has not played since the Rugby World Cup, is set to make his debut for the hosts.

Saracens’ only defeat in the tournament this season was at the hands of Sale last September, when they were defeated 36-17 at Allianz Park.