WARRINGTON Wolves centre Martin Gleeson misses out on a return to former club St Helens as the two sides meet at Knowlsey Road on Friday night.

The England centre has failed to shake off an injury picked up in pre-season training, the nature and extent of which have not been clarified by the club.

But while Gleeson is ruled out of his side's Super League XIV opener, Mickey Higham is in line to make his Warrington debut at his old stomping ground.

Fellow new signing Garreth Carvell is also named in the 19-man squad.

The blow of losing Gleeson is further softened by the return of four players from injury.

Anderson brothers Louis and Vinnie, another former Saint, as well as Chris Bridge and Paul Johnson have all been included.

For three of those four players, it seems fitting they should make their comebacks against Saints, as their last competitive appearances for Wolves came against the Challenge Cup holders.

Vinnie Anderson suffered a shoulder injury during the 30-22 home Super League defeat against St Helens in May, which required season-ending surgery.

Utility back Bridge lasted just 14 minutes of the 30-22 Super League second round defeat at Knowsley Road last season before rupturing his Achilles’ tendon.

Despite featuring in both preseason friendlies, against Hull KR and Swinton, there was still some doubt whether he would be match fit for the visit to Saints but head coach Jimmy Lowes has shown faith in the 24-year-old.

Meanwhile, Johnson’s season-ending cruciate knee ligament injury came in the 40-34 Challenge Cup fifth round defeat at Saints in May last year. But, following successful knee reconstruction surgery, he returned in the pre-season friendly against Hull KR.

Louis Anderson has not played since a broken arm forced him out of Wolves’ 22-12 win against Leeds Rhinos in August.

Stand off Lee Briers has also recovered from a shoulder injury suffered in the 32-24 defeat to Hull KR in time to play.

Young prospect Tyrone McCarthy, who has forced his way into contention after impressive performances in Warrington’s winter friendlies.

Wolves’ 19-man squad: Kevin Penny, Chris Hicks, Chris Bridge, Paul Johnson, Matt King, Lee Briers, Michael Monaghan, Adrian Morley, Mickey Higham, Paul Wood, Louis Anderson, Matty Blythe, Ben Westwood, Paul Rauhihi, Garreth Carvell, Chris Riley, Ben Harrison, Vinnie Anderson, Tyrone McCarthy.