Phillips joined the Chiefs from Bristol in June

Exeter Chiefs number eight James Phillips is hoping to be back in the first team squad by Christmas.

It had been feared that the summer signing from Bristol might miss the rest of the season after breaking his leg against Harlequins in September.

Phillips told the club's official website: "I can see light at the end of the tunnel.

"Give it another four or five weeks and I will be back in the mix as I'm working hard trying to get myself fit."

He added: "It's hard work of course, but I'm trying to use this time to my advantage so that I come back even better and stronger."

After playing a starring role in the Chiefs' first four Premiership games before his injury, the 23-year-old admitted life on the sidelines has been tough.

"It's never great when you get injured, you always think the worse," he said.

"For me, personally, it was a real blow. We had started the season so well, I was enjoying playing every week."

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