However, he is set to miss his club's next two Premiership matches at least, which will give Harlequins' Marcus Smith and Northampton's Fin Smith a head start when it comes to competing for the England number 10 shirt.

Ford was ever-present throughout the Six Nations earlier this year as England won three and lost two of their five matches, before an Achilles injury ruled him out of the summer tour of New Zealand.

Marcus Smith then started England's two Tests against the All Blacks and will be the favourite to retain his spot if Ford doesn't recover in time.

The Smiths face each other on Friday evening as champions Northampton host Quins at Franklin's Gardens.

After facing New Zealand, England play Australia, South Africa and Japan in consecutive weekends at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham.