Sheridan suffered a broken ankle during England's autumn Test victory over South Africa at Twickenham.

And he is now back in full training, with a possibility he might be involved during Sale Sharks premiership clash against Adams Park hosts Wasps on Sunday.

Sale coach Kingsley Jones said: 'It is great to see him back in full training.

'He has done contact all week, and there is a possibility he might play at the weekend, but we will have to see how he is over Friday and Saturday.

'We don't want to rush him back too quick. His return has given the team a real boost, though.'

Sheridan's England colleague Mark Cueto, meanwhile, is expected to make his first Sale appearance following a two-month absence because of groin and calf muscle problems.

The powerful wing featured in England Saxons' impressive victory over Ireland A last Friday, and could yet mount a challenge to be part of the senior team's RBS 6 Nations campaign this term.

Sale, whose bid for honours on European and domestic fronts has been undermined by numerous injury setbacks, know they will be without Charlie Hodgson, Jason White, Sililo Martens and Nathan Bonner-Evans probably until next season.

But together with Sheridan, players like Elvis Seveali'i, Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe and Lionel Faure are making good progress, and deemed relatively close to full fitness.