TEAM director Mike Foley believes Bath are finally beginning to emerge from the shadows of months of injury hell.

Foley has already welcomed Mike Catt, Mike Tindall and scrum-half Gareth Cooper back into his three-quarter from injuries that flared up last season or during the summer.

And the former Australian international is hopeful his pack will be reinforced soon.

Lock Steve Borthwick's recovery from knee problems could result in his return by the end of the month, while Adam Vander's blow to the ribs, which forced him off against Saracens last week, is not as bad as feared.

Foley, who has also had better medical reports on full-back Matt Perry, wing Iain Balshaw and scrum-half Andy Williams recently, said: "It's nice to have some options for once, we're starting to get some depth back.

"We're not rushing players back, but making sure they are ready.''

He added: "Steve Borthwick could be back for the end of the month. He had a few complications with his knees, which have taken a fair pounding.

"We need to get those right and it's important for him to be able to play without niggles. He really soldiered on for us last season.''

On Vander, he said: "It has settled down a fair bit which suggests that it's not a major one.

"There was a fear he could be out for four to six weeks, but it looks like being only two.''