Sale Sharks will be without South African international Faf de Klerk for Friday’s Premiership clash against Harlequins due to a knee injury.

Steve Diamond calls on Sale stalwarts Ross Harrison and Will Cliff to replace Coenie Oosthuizen and De Klerk respectively for the round eight match, after the Springboks picked up injuries in the latter stages of last weekend’s defeat to Bath.

De Klerk suffered the knee issue after an off the ball challenge at the Rec, whilst Oosthuizen was subject to an ankle strain during the match. Both players are expected back for the next round of the Premiership.

Harrison moves back into the pack along with Jean-Luc du Preez having both made appearances from the bench in round seven. The rest of the forwards remain unchanged with Jono Ross leading the side from blindside flanker.

Cliff moves into the number nine shirt and will partner up with Robert du Preez at fly-half.

Rohan Janse van Rensburg and Sam James remain in the midfield at 12 and 13 respectively, supported by a back three made up of Chris Ashton and Byron McGuigan on the wings with Luke James at full-back.

McGuigan is set to make his 50th Sale Sharks appearance at the AJ Bell this weekend.

Meanwhile, Harlequins have named their side to face Sale Sharks on Friday at the AJ Bell Stadium.

Paul Gustard’s first team of the new decade sees only one change to the starting XV from Big Game 12, with Gabriel Ibitoye starting as Cadan Murley moves into the centre in the absence of injured Italian international Michele Campagnaro.

Aaron Morris makes his return from injury as a replacement whilst Semi Kunatani rejoins the matchday 23 and Elia Elia starts on his 50th appearance for the club.