Star Wallabies flanker David Pocock is being touted to make a difference when he returns to Super Rugby action when the Brumbies host the Lions in Canberra.

Openside flanker Pocock will be a welcome sight for home supporters on Saturday, having played three games and missing four as the Brumbies have slumped to second-last overall in the standings.

Coach Dan McKellar is satisfied the 30-year-old Pocock has overcome the calf niggle that had sidelined him for the past three weeks. He also missed an earlier match with concussion symptoms.

While McKellar wasn’t to announce his team until later on Thursday, he confirmed Pocock would be in the starting XV for the close to full strength Brumbies.

“He just brings a whole lot of confidence to the dressing room,” McKellar said.

“He’s a world-class player and obviously someone for the opposition to focus on as well, which frees up opportunity in other areas for other players.

“I know he’s just keen to get back on the field. It’s been a frustrating couple of weeks.”

Wallabies tight forwards Rory Arnold, Scott Sio and Folau Fa’ainga are likely to be restored after being rested from last week’s 36-14 loss to the defending champion Crusaders in Christchurch.

McKellar was anxious not to rely too heavily on Pocock’s impact as they seek to improve on a 2-5 record.

He is wary that the type of injury Pocock has carried can be unpredictable.

“He’s not going to play 80 minutes, that would be silly from our end,” McKellar said.

“So we’ll manage him wisely and make sure that he can string some games together.

“You’ve got to manage him, he’s like any player.

“Calf injuries can be tricky and hang around for a while so we have to manage his load well.”