Sam Warburton

Warburton hasn't played since July, when he captained the British and Irish Lions to a series draw in New Zealand.

Following rest, he had neck surgery in September so he could return to club action in the new year and be available for another Six Nations tilt.

But Warburton and the Welsh Rugby Union decided that when he returns he should do so free of all aches and pains, so he had his left knee operated on.

Warburton returns to skipper the Lions against the Highlanders on Tuesday having shaken off the issue that kept him out of Saturday's victory over the Crusaders.

However, the Cardiff Blues flanker says he must prove he is firing on all cylinders if he is to make Warren Gatland's starting XV in Auckland on June 24.

"If I play Tuesday and I still feel I'm a bit undercut, then I might not be ready for that first Test," said Warburton.

Welsh rugby union side Cardiff Blues travel to Stade Francais this weekend for their European Champions Cup semi-final play-off and a victory will see them face either Northampton or Gloucester in the final on May 26th.

Warburton, who is on the mend after sustaining a knee injury in April, will captain his second Lions squad and Gatland said that the Welshman must focus on his fitness.

"It would be ideal for us if he didn't play for the Blues," Gatland told British media.