Billy Vunipola has admitted he is unlikely to play any part in England’s Six Nations campaign as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.
The 24-year-old underwent surgery in December to repair ligament damage sustained during the autumn internationals.
Eddie Jones had previously suggested that the powerhouse No.8 could return in a timely fashion for a potential title decider against Ireland on March 18th.
But Vunipola thinks it will be tough to be back to Test match fitness for then.
“I have still got a while to go – hopefully I will be running soon,” Vunipola toldThe Sun.
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“I think it’ll be two or three weeks so I probably won’t make the Ireland game.
“There is a lot of work for myself to do and, up to this point, the physio team and the strength and conditioning group have done a great job.
“So I shall keep my head down and when I am back, I am back, but I am not expecting to walk straight back into the England team.
“It will be tough for me to put pressure on myself so it is probably a bit unfair to say I will come straight back into the fold.”