Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill has insisted that Manu Tuilagi will be fit enough to make a big difference for England in the Six Nations.

Tuilagi has not played since damaging his groin in a European Champions Cup tie with Ulster in October, but Cockerill is hopeful that the 23-year-old can find his best form for both club and country ahead of his return.

"Manu will hopefully be back by the end of December, give or take a week or two. He needs rest and treatment," Cockerill is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.

"When England have played at their best, Manu has been at his best. Hopefully, he will be fit and playing come Christmas time and he will be back into the England squad for the Six Nations.

"The midfield is the biggest problem England have got, isn't it? Manu gives you that one position solved. He is their best 13. Then they have to solve who is best at 12 - thankfully that's somebody else's problem."

Tuilagi has scored 55 points in 24 appearances for England.