Scan boost for England winger

The injury to Mark Cueto's left ankle injury is not as bad as was first feared.

England coach Andy Robinson can breathe a sigh of relief after it was confirmed Mark Cueto's ankle injury is not as bad as was first feared.

The free-scoring winger had to be helped off just 11 minutes into Sale's 17-16 Heineken Cup defeat to the Ospreys on Friday. Cueto had landed awkwardly after being tackled by Lee Byrne.

Initial reports suggested that the injury could hit the 26-year-old's hopes of playing in the autumn internationals against New Zealand, South Africa (twice) and Argentina.

However, after undergoing a scan on Monday, Cueto has been told that there is no major damage to his left ankle.

Cueto said: "The ankle eased over the weekend and I am happy with the scan results.

"There is fluid around the joint, which is to be expected but the Sale Sharks physio team are looking after me and I am aiming to be fit for the weekend."