Centre Manu Tuilagi could be available for England’s final two Six Nations games after overcoming his injury.

Tuilagi, who played for the British & Irish Lions in 2013, has been recovering from chest surgery in November and been back at training with his club, the Leicester Tigers.

The 22-year-old is aiming to play against Gloucester and London Irish on 16 and 22 February respectively, and by doing so he could earn himself a spot to play in England’s last two Six Nations games against Wales (9 March) and Italy (15 March).

‘My body isn't too bad. I feel fresh but I can't do anything,’ said Tuilagi. ‘I'm training and doing rehab, physio and massage every single day, hopefully so I can be back playing in mid-February.

‘I want to take my time, get my injury right and get my body right. Then I'll worry about playing.

‘It is tough, because you go into the club, you see your mates, but you don't really see them properly because they are training outside and you are stuck inside. But you have to look at the positive side; it's resting up your body because there's still a lot of rugby to be played. I just want to play. I just want to get out on the pitch. Hopefully I've not forgotten how to play rugby.’

England open their Six Nations campaign against France on 1 February at Stade de France in Paris.

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