Centre Manu Tuilagi is expected to miss the start of England’s Six Nations campaign with a groin injury.
Tuilagi suffered a grade three tear in the second half of Sale’s 22-20 Premiership win over Saracens at the Salford Community Stadium last Friday.
The 32-year-old, capped 60 times by England, was plagued by a long-term groin problem earlier in his career.
Tuilagi is likely to miss England’s opening Six Nations match against Italy in Rome on 3 February.
They will then face Wales at Twickenham the following week.
Sale director of rugby Alex Sanderson said Tuilagi’s injury would not require surgery and that the player himself was determined to get fit as soon as possible.
“Manu has pulled his groin and we think he’s going to be back during the Six Nations, but not for the first week,” Sanderson said.
“Six weeks is the recommended time for the injury and Manu is saying four. I spoke to him and he’s like, ‘I need to play and if I’m good to play it’s up to England regarding selection’.
“He was in the frame before and I’ve stated before his intent to keep playing international rugby.”
Tuilagi played six matches for England at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
Meanwhile, Sale prop Bevan Rodd will miss the entire Six Nations after undergoing toe surgery.
