Everitt welcomes the return of back-three duo

The pair have both returned to full training this week and are in contention to face the Italian side, bringing an added boost with both Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham on international duty, and Harry Paterson and Lewis Wells unavailable through injury.

“Yes, Emiliano is available this weekend,” said Everitt. “Obviously, once again, for him it’s a day-to-day how he gets through training.

“But he came through Thursday and Friday last week really well and he has put his hand up for selection which we’ll obviously reassess this week.

“Ross [McCann] will also be available,” added Everitt. “It’s great to have him back. Unfortunately, he got a calf injury in a weird way where we’re just doing walk-throughs and clarity and he managed to tweak his calf which turned out to be a tear.

“So it’s great to have him back. We’re getting numbers back where we have been thin and that’s brilliant for us at the moment.”

The capital side have also been boosted by the return to training of several Scotland internationals who could also be in line to face Zebre this weekend.

“Obviously the players that weren’t involved on the weekend are up, but we’ve also got to wait for finalisation with Scotland Rugby to see where they are as far as injuries,” said the Head Coach.

Edinburgh Rugby return to action on Friday night for the first time since facing Scarlets at Parc y Scarlets in late January, knowing that a win will keep the capital side in contention for a play-off place.

“I think the break came at a good time. The guys had the opportunity to rest up for a week and then came back last week ready to go and we started our preparation for Zebre last week. We’re excited for the challenge this Friday night.”