Ben Te’o has picked up a side strain which will rule him out of England’s opening Six Nations match with Ireland on Saturday.
The Worcester centre picked up the injury in training in Portugal this week, and although it is nothing serious and he should be fit to face France, the trip to Dublin comes too soon.
Related: Injury Setback Blow For Te’o
The absence of Te’o means Manu Tuilagi could make his first England start in almost five years and the 27-year-old says he has put his injury problems behind him and is ready to step back in.
“I’m in a good place. If your mind is positive you will go forward from there,” Tuilagi told BBC Sport. “I’m fit and healthy – touch wood – and just enjoying being back.
“It’s definitely as fit as I have ever been and everything is going well so far. It’s all about enjoyment for me.”
Meanwhile, Wasps flanker Brad Shields and Bath wing Joe Cokanasiga will also miss the game at the Aviva Stadium.
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