Fit Manu Tuilagi ready for Saracens semi-final clash

Leicester Tigers have received a huge boost to their squad with the return of centre Manu Tuilagi ahead of their Aviva Premiership semi-final against Saracens.

The England star had suffered a knee injury during his side's 16-19 defeat against Racing 92 in the European Champions Cup semi-final.

Meanwhile, flanker Brendon O'Connor and lock Mike Fitzgerald will also return to strengthen the Tigers ahead of its crucial clash at Allianz Park on Saturday 21st of May.

Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill welcomed the option of having a full strength squad available for selection.

"Manu, Mike and Brendon are all good and available for selection.

"Opeti Fonua should be fine. He has had a problem with his calf but he trained this (Tuesday) morning and Matt Smith should be okay too. We have some selection issues because we have a good bill of health and people have put their hands up.

"Harry Thacker, Greg Bateman and Leo Ghiraldini are all fit at hooker. There are some tough selection choices and there are going to be some guys who are disappointed at not being involved.

"That is the nature of being involved at this time of year. It's nice to have a relatively full squad, that's for sure."

Cockerill is aware of the challenge Saracens might pose for his men, especially after recently tasting success by winning the coveted European Champions Cup tournament by defeating Racing 92 9-21 at Grand Stade de Lyon on 14th of May.

However, he also expressed confidence in his men to win the contest if they stick to the game-plan and give their best efforts this weekend.

''We had to look after our squad and be sensible. We need to make sure we get it right for the semi and try to give ourselves the best chance possible to win the competition.

"We will have to do it all to get the better of them (Saracens). I can't remember ever having a pleasant day down there and even seeing a good performance. But this is the season for us, whereas they have already had a successful season with success in Europe.

"Both sides have a huge amount of respect for each other. If we are on our game and play how we want to play, we have no doubt that we can win."

Leicester, who have faced Mark McCall's men at Allianz Park three times until this Saturday, have lost on all three occasions including this season’s 26-6 defeat.

Although the remainder of the squad is available for selection, scrum-half Sam Harrison, who fractured bones in his face and broke his nose against Worcester, will be truly missed by the Tigers as Ben Youngs continues to fill his shoes.