Leicester Tigers centre Manu Tuilagi is expected to return to the playing field in early December, according to head coach Matt O’Connor.
Tuilagi, 26, who hurt his knee in the opening game of the Premiership season against Bath, has been hampered by injuries in recent years.
But after making good progress in his recovery, O’Connor is confident the England international will be back in action before Christmas.
“He is in front of schedule and ticking along brilliantly,” he told BBC Radio Leicester.
“We should see Manu in early December, hopefully.”