England fly half Charlie Hodgson and prop Andrew Sheridan have serious injuries and will likely be sidelined until May, their club Sale Sharks said Monday.
Both players were carried off in England's 23-21 win over South Africa on Saturday. Hodgson has ruptured the cruciate ligament in his right knee and Sheridan broke his left ankle and also sustained ligament damage, Sale Sharks said.
Both will have operations next week.
Hodgson ruptured the cruciate ligament in his left knee while playing for England in 2003. Sale Sharks chief executive officer Niels de Vos said both were unlikely to play before the end of the domestic rugby season in May.
The two will also likely miss the Six Nations tournament, which runs Feb. 3 to March 17.
``Everyone feels for Charlie and Andrew, and we wish them all the best for their recovery,'' England coach Andy Robinson said. ``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.''
With Jonny Wilkinson also injured, the contest for England's No. 10 shirt will likely be between Andy Goode, Toby Flood and Olly Barkley.
Perry Freshwater and Pat Sanderson are options at loosehead prop for England's Test Saturday against South Africa again, as Matt Stevens is injured.
© The Canadian Press, 2007
