Chabal, who was introduced in the 63rd minute, lasted only eight minutes before departing and is now a doubt for Frances RBS 6 Nations game against Wales in Paris on Saturday.

The back row forward played in Les Blues' opening win against Italy and was instrumental in the last-gasp win over Ireland at Croke Park.

France hooker and skipper Raphael Ibanez, who was named on the bench for Wasps, played for the final 25 minutes.

England hopeful Mark Cueto marked his first Sale start for two months with a try for the premiership champions but his effort proved in vain.

Wasps, trailing 10-0 after only 18 minutes, hit back to secure a 26-18 victory, with fly-half Alex King kicking 16 points.

With England coach Brian Ashton having named his side for Saturdays clash with Ireland in Dublin a week early, winger Cueto will not receive an immediate dividend on the international front either.

Ashtons ploy to pressurise the clubs into resting their England stars met with only partial success but he escaped without any further injury problems.

Wasps left out England skipper Phil Vickery, included Josh Lewsey on the right wing for the entire match and did not introduce flanker Joe Worsley, recalled by Ashton after missing the win over Italy with a neck injury and who sat on the bench for the entire 80 minutes this afternoon.

Sale started with Englands Jason Robinson at full-back - who certainly did not hold back - and flanker Magnus Lund, with both playing the full match.