Leinster-bound All Blacks centre Jordie Barrett is on course to face England on Saturday, and Ireland on Friday week, New Zealand have confirmed.
The 27-year-old, who will join Leinster until the end of the season after the November internationals, suffered a knee injury playing against Australia in the Rugby Championship at the end of September and was given a four to six-week timeline for recovery.
The Hurricanes player wasn't risked for the All Blacks’ 64-19 win over Japan at the weekend and travelled to Europe with a number of New Zealand frontliners.
"He’s been training really well with us," said head coach Scott Robertson.
"[He’s] training at a high level, good intensity, he’s kicking the ball well.
"He’s available for selection. He gives you depth to the squad, and a lot of experience."
Robertson is confident his team will be ready for Saturday's clash with England at Twickenham after a side featuring a mix of youth and experience eased to victory in Yokohama.
The visitors ran in 10 tries, eight of which came in the first half, using a makeshift team that featured several debutants and players returning from injury in preparation for a series of tough tests over the coming month.
"A couple of (these) guys will be starting next week, it gives them valuable game time," Robertson said of his likely line-up to face Steve Borthwick's side. "A couple of guys coming back from injury came in.
"I think it's a really good, balanced squad. We've got a hell of a group over in the UK waiting for us. You'll see a few faces out there."
New Zealand face England before taking on Ireland on Friday 8 November, France and Italy in successive weeks in November, with Robertson bullish about the quality of the squad he will have available.
The All Blacks saw off Japan despite the absence of captain Ardie Savea and backs Will Jordan, and the Beauden brothers, Beauden and Jordie.
"I think the step coming to Japan before going to Europe, here having the 10 days is just ideal because we've got those two groups, you've got to go trust them," Robertson said.
"Bring TJ (Perenara) on and Sam Cane off – it's about having the blend of both (youth and experience).
"And the guys have been in the group for a long time so they know and they're ready, sometimes you've just got to give them a chance."
New Zealand and England have already met twice this year, with the All Blacks shading both Tests in Dunedin and Auckland.
Meanwhile, George Ford (above), Alex Coles and Ted Hill have been added to England's 36-man squad.
Fly-half Ford had to prove his fitness after suffering a quad injury while playing for Sale, but is now in contention to face the All Blacks at Allianz Stadium.
Tom Roebuck, Charlie Ewels and Ollie Chessum have been released from head coach Borthwick’s group.
Chessum is awaiting further assessment on a knee problem, while Ewels is currently following return-to-play protocols.
Additional reporting: Reuters, PA
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