Manu Tuilagi will return from his latest injury setback stronger for England, say former internationals Mike Tindall and Will Greenwood.
The centre sustained the injury playing for Leicester Tigers in their 44-17 Aviva Premiership semi-final defeat to Saracens at Allianz Park on May 21 and has been ruled out of England's summer tour of Australia as a result.
Tuilagi was making his comeback from a knee problem and playing on an artificial surface for the first time, but departed after only 20 minutes when he damaged his right hamstring while attempting to tackle Chris Wyles.
The 25-year-old was still included in the England squad for this summer's three Tests against Australia when coach Eddie Jones announced his touring party on Sunday, but was withdrawn from the tour after undergoing a scan and a review by the England medical team on Monday.
However, former England internationals Greenwood and Tindall have backed Tuilagi to return to the international scene as strong as he was before his injury.
Greenwood told Sky Sports News HQ: "A consolation for Manu is I don't know anyone who has ever got to the highest levels of world rugby, who has not been through a one-two year period during their career where they've suffered and wondered 'what am I doing this for?'
"It's just the body not being quite ready to play again when the mind says 'I need to get out and play'. I am sure he will get a nice summer now and come back fitter and stronger. We all hope so anyway."
Tindall, who won 75 caps for England, added: "Because of how powerful he is and being the type of player he is, he is going to pick up those kinds of knocks.
"It's a blow for England. People want to see him back on the field. That's why he's so exciting and hopefully he makes a speedy recovery."