Asher Opoku-Fordjour: England support has been left out of the Six Nations

England’s top-row stocks have been dealt a blow with Sale prop Asher Opoku-Fordjour ruled out of the Six Nations with a shoulder injury.

Opoku Fordjour, who has not played since the end of November due to an elbow injury, injured his shoulder in training last week.

Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson said: “He will undergo surgery tomorrow in Cardiff, which will keep him out of action for the next two months.”

“It is a real shock for him, for us and for England.”

England’s Six Nations campaign begins against Wales on February 7 and ends in France on March 14.

Opoku Fordjour, who has six caps, played against Australia and Argentina this fall.

Although the 21-year-old can also play wide, he has specialized in playing with a moving head lately.

A serious Achilles injury has ruled British and Irish Lion Will Stewart out of the Six Nations, leaving the options on this side of the front row severely depleted.

Gloucester’s Afolabi Vasogbon, who won the Under-20 Rugby World Cup alongside Opoku Fordjour in 2024, and 33-year-old Trevor Davison from Northampton, are among those in contention for promotion.

The importance of Leicester City player Joe Hayes, who has had a fantastic six months with his country, is now higher than ever.

“It takes a special person to bear the psychological burden of playing international rugby at 19 or 20 anyway,” said Sanderson of Opoku Fordjour.

“He really has that ability to handle, reframe and carry.

“Some people could go down the rabbit hole, but he doesn’t. He just keeps at it. He’s probably already looking forward to how strong and fit he will be when he comes back.”

“That’s the kind of character he is.”

Sanderson also insisted that Sale’s recruitment for next season is on the right track, despite suffering the disappointment of Raffi Quirke’s switch to Newcastle and the loss of high-profile targets such as Harlequins back row Chandler Cunningham South and Leicester lock George Martin.

co-owner Simon Orange wrote on social media, external On Tuesday he expressed confidence that Sale would have their “best squad yet” for the 2025-26 season, and urged fans to “have some confidence”.

“I would tell you, it’s eating me up inside,” said Sanderson, who admitted his previous honesty about goals had stymied some of the club’s negotiations.

“Simon wouldn’t say that and leave himself open if it didn’t happen.

“For those who are curious, watch this space. For those who are interested, don’t worry, we have it under control. It’s a great team, and it will only get better.”