- There had been fears that Ford would miss the games after recent injury setback
- After seeing specialist, however, he has been told that he does not need surgery
- It is hoped that he will play for club Sale again before joining up with England
George Ford is set to be cleared for a shot at regaining the England No 10 shirt next month after all – having been told that he doesn’t need surgery on a leg injury.
There had been fears that the 31-year-old fly-half would miss the national team’s autumn series of four Tests at Twickenham, as a result of the setback he suffered against Saracens in north London last Saturday. But after a scan revealed a torn quad muscle, Ford met a specialist who passed on the good news that an operation is not required.
His club released an update which read: ‘Following a positive consultation with a specialist, it was decided that George does not require surgery and he will now begin his rehab ahead of a busy period for club and country.’
While no recovery time-scale was mentioned, Mail Sport understands that Ford and his club are optimistic that he will be fit to return to Sale action before joining up with Steve Borthwick’s England squad at the end of the month.
The veteran playmaker missed the summer tour of Japan and New Zealand, with Marcus Smith running the show at 10 in his absence. But Ford was imperious in his last Test performance – against France in Lyon back in March – and will be strongly in contention for a starting place if he can prove he is fit and firing before England face the All Blacks on November 2.
England have been handed an injury boost after George Ford was told he does not require surgery on a leg injury
There had been fears that the 31-year-old would miss England’s autumn internationals
It is however expected that he will play for club side Sale again before joining up with Steve Borthwick’s group
Smith has been selected at full-back for Harlequins at Northampton on Friday night.
Meanwhile, another leading Sale casualty, flanker Tom Curry, is expected to be back from a concussion absence in time for the home encounter with Newcastle at Salford Community Stadium on October 11.
