Manu Tuilagi is a major doubt for the World Cup after it emerged the England and Leicester star is unlikely to play again this season . The powerhouse centre , one of the first names on Stuart Lancaster ’ s team-sheet when fit , has not featured since October and faces a race against time to be fit for the World Cup in September after suspicions his groin injury was worse than first thought were confirmed by Leicester . Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill said : ‘ Manu is improving but it is a long process . The likelihood is , he may not play this season . He may or may not play this season. ’ England coach Stuart Lancaster ( left ) has been hit by the news Manu Tuilagi could miss the World Cup . Tuilagi ( centre ) has a groin injury that could rule him out of England 's tournament in September . Fears that Tuilagi 's groin injury is worse than first feared were confirmed by his club Leicester . The 23-year-old , who Mailsport understands is suffering from the notoriously troublesome condition known as ‘ Gilmore ’ s Groin ’ , is now likely to have just three warm-up matches this summer to prove his fitness ahead of the World Cup , which kicks off on September 18 . Leicester , who have conducted a root and branch review of their medical department this season , have repeatedly insisted his return is imminent despite growing rumours the problem is more serious than they have let on . In February Cockerill accused Tuilagi of inadvertently exaggerating the extent of his injury after he gave an interview saying he would not feature in the Six Nations . Tuilagi is considered one of the first names on the England team-sheet when he is fit to play . Tuilagi will try to be fit for the start of England 's World Cup campaign , which begins on September 18 . Tuilagi ( right ) missed the whole of England 's Six Nations campaign due to injury . As it transpired , he played no role in tournament , although he did spend time with England ’ s medical team and remains a valued member of the squad . But serious questions will now be asked about the management of his injury after surgery was delayed in a bid to get him fit . England had better news last night when Saracens confirmed injured duo Owen Farrell and Brad Barritt as expected to return in the next two to three weeks .
Manu Tuilagi is a key player for England and Stuart Lancaster when fit . The centre has a groin injury that Leicester say is worse than first feared . Tuilagi is unlikely to play again this season due to the problem .