Statement: Sale Sharks issue injury update on George Ford after scan

Ford, who underwent a scan on Monday, had initially been feared to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines following the 45-26 loss.

However, the scan revealed no need for surgery, offering a significant boost to both Sale Sharks and England head coach Steve Borthwick ahead of the autumn campaign.

“Sale Sharks can confirm that fly-half George Ford suffered a tear to his right quad during the early stages of the Gallagher Premiership round two game at Saracens on Saturday,” Sale said in a statement on Thursday night.

“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.”

Gavin Hastings (Scotland): "Consistently outstanding for both Scotland and the Lions. Helped me a lot when the game turned professional."

Tony Stanger (Scotland): "Probably Scotland's greatest ever finisher. He was key as we won the 1990 Grand Slam."

Jonah Lomu (New Zealand): "He took the 1995 World Cup by storm. There were plenty of players who were six foot five and nearly nineteen stone, but none I knew who could run the 100m sprint in 11 seconds."

Alan Tait (Scotland): "He seemed to have the uncanny ability to always be in the right place at the right time. Then you realised that was because he was pushing opponents into areas where they had no space to work. He was also the tightest man in the world."

Tana Umaga (New Zealand): "Scored twice against us. Like with Lomu, we really struggled to contain him."

Jonny Wilkinson (England/Lions): "He must have only been 17 or thereabouts when I met him. Thinking wise, and in terms of skill was on another level. Jonny's dedication and diligence put many - me included - to shame."

Joost van der Westhuizen (South Africa): "From a rival who almost single-handedly ended my career as an international number 8, to a standard-bearer in the fight against Motor Neurone Disease, and, eventually, a victim of this cruel disease. He was unstoppable on his day."

George Graham (Scotland): Aggressive beyond belief, like a bulldog whose lost its bone then swallowed a Wasps trying to find it. He'd have been a nightmare to play against."

Keith Wood (Ireland): "Phenomenal as a teammate and a super tourer. As a person, for me, he epitomized the whole Lions ethos."

Jason Leonard (England/Lions): "He was always an absolute rock on the corner of the scrum. He did all the work in the scrum and I could just have a breather."

Chris Gray (Scotland): "Great man he was. Loved playing next to him."

Simon Shaw (England): "I think he is one of the most underrated players in recent history. He had everything."

Richard Hill (England/Lions): "He was fantastic guy and a terrific player, someone I got to know really well on that trip (1997 Lion). But in terms of bedroom manners, he was abysmal.

Rob Wainwright (Scotland/Lions): "Someone I always loved playing with was Rob."

Scott Quinnell (Wales/Lions): "I've known Scotty for a long time, as a rival, as a fellow tourist, as a pundit, and a lot of hospitality functions. He was the complete player."