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Leicester Tigers' Ed Slater in line to return against Sale this weekend

Ed Slater, Leicester Tigers during the European Rugby Launch at Twickenham Stoop, London.
Image: Ed Slater is poised to return for Leicester on Saturday

Leicester lock Ed Slater is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a knee injury and is likely to feature for the Tigers this weekend.

The England forward damaged knee ligaments in early January but has made rapid progress and is expected to be fit for the Aviva Premiership visit of Sale to Welford Road on Saturday.

However, Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill cannot foresee a Six Nations return for Slater at this stage.

"Ed just needs a run of games now and fingers crossed he gets some luck," said Cockerill.

"Hopefully Ed will get a good run of games now and push his claims for the summer tour with England. I don't think he will be involved in the Six Nations."

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Manu Tuilagi remains on course to return from minor hamstring trouble for Leicester's trip to Newcastle Falcons on Friday, February 12 and could be in contention for England in the later stages of their Six Nations campaign.

England coach Eddie Jones may select Tuilagi as an inside centre and Cockerill has no concerns over either midfield role.

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"I think Manu can play 12 or 13 equally as well," said Cockerill of Tuilagi, who has made his name as an outside centre.

Manu Tuilagi of Leicester Tigers
Image: Manu Tuilagi is set to boost Eddie Jones' options

"I think he's a far better footballer than people think. He's a quick learner, he doesn't need to be told twice.

"Aaron Mauger [Leicester backs coach] is finding out that he picks things up quickly and Manu could play either role."

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