Ford targets All Blacks after England fitness boost

George Ford had to go off inside seven minutes in Saturday's defeat at Saracens

England fly-half George Ford has been handed a fitness boost for the November internationals after it was confirmed his quad injury does not need surgery.

The 31-year-old suffered a torn right quad during the early stages of Sale's defeat by Saracens last weekend, leading to fears he would miss the whole of his country's autumn campaign.

But following a "positive consultation", the 96-cap playmaker is now targeting a return in time for England's opener against New Zealand on Saturday, 2 November.

"He will now begin his rehab ahead of a busy period for club and country," said a Sale statement on Thursday.

A worst-case scenario would see Ford miss up to eight weeks, but both Sale and the player are confident he will be able to return much sooner.

However, he is set to miss his club's next two Premiership matches at least, which will give Harlequins' Marcus Smith and Northampton's Fin Smith a head start when it comes to competing for the England number 10 shirt.

Ford was ever-present throughout the Six Nations earlier this year as England won three and lost two of their five matches, before an Achilles injury ruled him out of the summer tour of New Zealand.

Marcus Smith then started England's two Tests against the All Blacks and will be the favourite to retain his spot if Ford doesn't recover in time.

The Smiths face each other on Friday evening as champions Northampton host Quins at Franklin's Gardens.

After facing New Zealand, England play Australia, South Africa and Japan in consecutive weekends at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.