Manu Tuilagi is expected to be fit for England's World Cup campaign, despite being ruled out of the rest of the Premiership season.
The centre has not played since picking up a groin injury in October, with several delays and setbacks hampering his recovery.
Tuilagi had been expected to be fit for the Six Nations, but he played no part as England finished second on a frantic final day of action.
Leicester Tigers' bid for an 11th Premiership crown has not faltered too much without Tuilagi, they are on course to reach the play-offs.
"He's improving all the time but the likelihood now is he may not play this season," Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill told BBC Radio 5 live.
"The likelihood is he will be fit for June and he'll join England for their World Cup camp.
"Hopefully he'll be involved in the World Cup warm-ups and have a huge say in how England do."