Sale Sharks back row, Hendre Fourie, is unlikely to be available until the New Year due to a shoulder injury.
Sale Sharks Exectuive Director of Rugby, Steve Diamond, said: "Hendre injured himself playing for England against Ireland before the World Cup. He limped off with a hamstring strain but has since been struggling with a shoulder injury that will require surgery. His rehabilitation will start immediately after surgery and we expect him back early in the New Year."
Fourie will miss the opening stages of Sale's Amlin Challenge Cup campaign which starts with a tough away trip to Brive in Pool 5 on Saturday, 12 November.