Six Nations: Manu Tuilagi among several potential returnees for Eddie Jones’ England

Manu Tuilagi headlines a group of players that may return from injury before England’s next round in the Six Nations. 

England claimed a bonus-point win against Italy on Sunday getting their campaign back on track after their opening-round loss to Scotland.

Eddie Jones will be pleased to have several players potentially returning in time for selection ahead of their clash against Wales next week.

Tuilagi has successfully returned to the field with Sale after suffering a torn hamstring while Courtney Lawes could be available after being out with a concussion.

Joe Launchbury is another returnee of great value for Jones particularly regarding the vast experience of the second row. Meanwhile, Lewis Ludlam is due to have recovered from rib damage sustained against Scotland.

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“Potentially we’ll have Launchbury, Tuilagi, Lawes and Ludlam, so there are a few that could come back into the squad,” head coach Jones said.

“We’d be hopeful that by the end of next week Courtney will be training fully. He’s making some great progress and the medical staff have done some terrific work with him.

“He’s not far away now and we’re really hopeful he’ll be back in full training and able to play against Wales.”

Of the returnees, it will be Tuilagi that adds the most with England missing his muscular presence in a midfield that has lacked punch.

Henry Slade has performed well at inside centre but is not the hard running option that would bring greater balance and if Tuilagi is given the all clear to resume his international career, the Exeter player is likely to move to 13.

“Just having a power running centre would