The fly-half has been out of action for six months having ruptured his Achilles tendon in last season's Gallagher Premiership final while he was still with Leicester.
He joined Sale during the close season, but hasn't been able to play as he battles back to full fitness.
However, the 29-year-old was last week called into the England training camp by new head coach Scott Borthwick, with an eye on him returning at some point during the Six Nations.
He is being pencilled in to make his Sale bow in the Premiership clash with Bath on January 27, the week before England kick-off their campaign against Scotland at Twickenham.
Ford hasn't started for England for two years, and Marcus Smith has in that time emerged as first-choice at No.10, although his own injury means Owen Farrel could start there against the Scots.
Denne historien er fra January 07, 2023-utgaven av Manchester Evening News.
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Denne historien er fra January 07, 2023-utgaven av Manchester Evening News.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
LUXURY 'PARTY FLAT' IS HALTED
SKYSCRAPER APARTMENT A MAGNET FOR LOUD MUSIC AND DRUG TAKING
Club's 120 years of making history
CITY VENUE HAS INSPIRED AND TOUCHED GENERATIONS
'Another much loved part of the soul of the city is in need'
I WAS dispatched to Salford in 1988 as the district reporter for the MEN.
This light should never go out
SALFORD LADS CLUB IS IN FINANCIAL CRISIS - HELP US RAISE £250K TO ENSURE THIS VITAL INSTITUTION IS THERE FOR MORE YOUNGSTERS
Going the distance!
THE Manchester Half marathon has returned to the streets of Manchester as 24,000 runners attempt to tackle the 13.1 mile route in support of charities and organisations.
Mayor's devolved benefits shake-up
BURNHAM SEEKS CONTROL OF GOVERNMENT CASH IN NEW PLAN
Pensioner dies in taxi crash tragedy
AN ELDERLY woman has died after being struck by a taxi in Middleton.
Eriksen confirms no talks with Reds over new contract
CHRISTIAN Eriksen has confirmed he has not held talks with United over a new deal.
ONE OF CLUB'S BEST SIGNINGS
ONE of the best signings of the City era is leaving.
SALE SET PACE FOR DERBY WIN
SALE'S league-leading set piece earned them a ruthless 43-10 win over Newcastle Falcons in the Northern derby.