England handed injury boost as George Ford is told he DOESN’T need surgery on leg injury – with Steve Borthwick and Co hopeful he will be fit for autumn internationals
- There were fears that Ford would miss the games after a recent injury
- However, after visiting a specialist, he was told he did not need surgery
- It is hoped he will play for club Sale again before heading to England
George Ford will be cleared to reclaim the England number 10 shirt next month after being told he will not require surgery on a leg injury.
There were fears the 31-year-old fly-half could miss the national team’s four-Test autumn series at Twickenham following the setback he suffered against Saracens in north London last Saturday. But after a scan revealed a torn quad muscle, Ford met with a specialist who relayed the good news that surgery isn’t necessary.
His club released an update saying: ‘Following a positive consultation with a specialist, it was decided that George will not require surgery and will now begin his rehabilitation ahead of a busy period for club and country.’
Although no recovery timescale was mentioned, Mail Sport understands that Ford and his club are optimistic he will be fit to return to Sale action before joining 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 leading the show in his absence at the age of 10. But Ford was imperious in his last Test performance – against France in Lyon in March – and will be in strong contention for a starting spot if he can prove he is fit and can shoot before England face the All Blacks on November 2.
England have received an injury boost after George Ford was told he will not need surgery on a leg injury
There were fears the 31-year-old would miss England’s autumn internationals
However, he is expected to play for club Sale again before joining Steve Borthwick’s group
Smith was selected at fullback for Harlequins in Northampton on Friday evening.
Meanwhile, another leading Sale casualty, flanker Tom Curry, is expected to return from concussion in time for the home game against Newcastle at Salford Community Stadium on October 11.