England and Sale Sharks have suffered a devastating double injury setback after Charlie Hodgson and Andrew Sheridan were ruled out for the rest of the season.
Both players were carried off during England's 23-21 victory over South Africa at Twickenham on Saturday. But further specialist medical analysis has revealed fly-half Hodgson has ruptured his cruciate knee ligament, while prop Sheridan suffered a broken left ankle and ligament damage. The pair will undergo operations during the next week but they are certain to miss England's entire Six Nations campaign.
The news is a huge problem for England head coach Andy Robinson, who is already under massive pressure with his side winning just one of their last eight Tests under his direction. And with World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson sidelined until the new year while he recovers from kidney damage, England's No10 shirt is now likely to be contested by Andy Goode - Hodgson's probable replacement against South Africa next Saturday - Toby Flood and Olly Barkley.
Hodgson's injury is a repeat of the problem he suffered, albeit in his other knee, in 2003, which ruled him out of England's World Cup campaign. Sheridan missed a large chunk of last season due to injury and, like Hodgson, now faces a long rehabilitation period after undergoing surgery.
"Everyone feels for Charlie and Andrew, and we wish them all the best for their recovery," said Robinson. "They are key members of the squad and they have contributed massively this autumn. Their absence will be a real blow to England and Sale Sharks."
While England contemplate a Six Nations season without Hodgson and Sheridan, Sale's hopes of defending their Premiership title has taken another major hit barely a week after their Scottish international flanker Jason White was laid low by a season-ending injury. "This is a terrible blow for the players, for England and for Sale," said Sharks rugby director Philippe Saint-Andre. "Our thoughts are with the players at this moment but we know that they will receive the very best treatment available to ensure that they return, for club and country, as soon as is possible."
