Sale Sharks have been rocked by a serious injury to skipper James Gaskell.
The 20-year old, the Premiership's youngest captain, faces at least two months on the sidelines after picking up a ligament injury during training.
"James picked up the injury in training earlier this week and damaged a ligament in his lower leg," head coach Mike Brewer told The Manchester Evening News. "We're not entirely sure of the full nature of the injury yet but he's going to be out for a minimum of eight weeks."
The loss of Gaskell has been tempered to an extent by former England lock Chris Jones' return to fitness following a long-term neck problem. Jones is set for his first senior appearance under Brewer when the Sharks face Cetransa El Salvador at Edgeley Park on Friday.
Brewer is likely to appoint an interim skipper in Gaskell's absence and has handed the reins to hooker Marc Jones for their European opener.