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

It is hoped that he will play for club Sale again before joining up with England After seeing specialist, however, he has been told that he does not need surgery There had been fears that Ford would miss the games after recent injury setback 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. 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. 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.