Henry Trinder will make his first Aviva Premiership start in 11 months when Gloucester face Bristol at Ashton Gate on Friday night.
The 27-year-old has battled long-term knee problems, but will start his first league match this season when the Cherry and Whites take on relegation-battlers Bristol.
Montpellier owner Mohed Altrad's proposed Gloucester takeover continues to stall over approval from English and European bosses, while Jonny Bell has stepped in as interim head coach after Laurie Fisher's departure.
"It's been a couple of weeks now and I suppose we didn't want to dwell on it for too long as you naturally wouldn't," said Bell of Fisher's Kingsholm exit.
"There was disappointment and then all the consequences of that.
"We had a break as a group and then came back in together and focused on moving forward and sticking tight together.
"I'm incredibly proud of the group, they've worked incredibly hard over the last two weeks.
"We're playing against a side that needs points but they are also up against a team that needs points. We are hungry and desperate to climb the league.
"We are disappointed to be ninth but we feel that we are better than that."
Bristol remain rooted to the foot of the table with just three wins from 17 league matches this term.
Academy prospect Sam Jeffries will start in Bristol's back-row, with boss Mark Tainton making six changes from the pivotal 41-24 loss at relegation rivals Worcester on March 5.
Free-scoring wing Tom Varndell misses out through a toe injury, with Siale Piutau sidelined with knee trouble.
Veteran playmaker Gavin Henson was also not considered fit for selection.
"A positive performance on Friday in front of our home supporters can be the catalyst for us to push forward," said head coach Tainton.
"We are focused and well-prepared and know what is expected of us at Ashton Gate against a very talented opposition outfit.
"Gavin Henson picked up a niggle with his toe last week and hasn't trained in the lead-up to this game, so we won't risk him on Friday."
Source: PA
