Bruno busts bicep

Sale Sharks' French international hooker Sébastien Bruno could be facing a three month injury lay-off after hurting a bicep in his team's 28-6 defeat to London Irish on Wednesday.

Sale Sharks' French international hooker Sébastien Bruno could be facing a three month injury lay-off after hurting a bicep in his team's 28-6 defeat to London Irish on Wednesday.

Bruno ruptured his bicep near his elbow and will undergo further scans to assess the injury but he is expected to be out of action for at least four months, meaning he may not return to the playing field before as late February.

The news is a massive blow for Sale who must travel to French to face Clermont Auvernge in the opening round of the Heineken Cup next week.

The injury could well bring an end to Bruno's international career as the 34-year-old will now surely not be part of France coach Marc Lièvrement's squad for the Six Nations.

In more bad news for Sale, Sean Cox dislocated his kneecap in the same match and will have an operation on Saturday to correct the damage; Cox's recovery time will be between four to five months.

“This is bad news for both players and the club,” said Director of Rugby Philippe Saint Andre.

“Both Sébastien and Sean have been playing well and they will be missed. They will however receive the best medical care and help with their rehabilitation and we look forward to having them back playing again.”