vRS wont engage 1st gear

Hi All,

I have a 2004 Octavia VRS which I had a very minor collision with a curb on the drivers side a couple of weeks ago after which I had lost 1st gear since then I have adjust the linkages etc & still no 1st even trying to manually engage with engine off via the selector shaft on top of the gearbox as shown below, all other gears select absolute fine & it drives as normal using 2nd to pull away?

Coulld a bush on the saft be damaged as I cannot feel the gate when trying to select 1st almost like there is an obstruction?

Can I remove the selector shaft to check for any damage?