Wilkinson injury blow for England

ENGLAND boss Andy Robinson was last night reeling from the worst possible blow to his Six Nations plans, losing Jonny Wilkinson.

The injury-jinxed superstar will miss England's opening two games next month, against Wales in Cardiff and France at Twickenham.

Wilkinson's latest setback a partial medial ligament tear will extend his exile from international rugby to 15 months.

Robinson, currently preparing for a first Six Nations campaign at the helm after succeeding Sir Clive Woodward, had already lost centres Mike Tindall and Will Greenwood, flanker Richard Hill and number eight Martin Corry from the February 5 Millennium Stadium opener.

England captain Wilkinson faces up to six weeks sidelined after being hurt during Newcastle's Heineken Cup defeat by Perpignan in France on Saturday.

His chances of lining up for the world champions against Ireland on February 27 are probably 50-50 at best, effectively removing him completely from England's biggest challenges. Their last two games are at home to Italy and Scotland.

It also raises serious questions about his Lions tour prospects in New Zealand next summer, given such a prolonged absence from the Test match arena.

Sale playmaker Charlie Hodgson will continue in the number 10 jersey against Wales, but it is understood Robinson was considering Wilkinson for duties at inside-centre.

The coach's midfield options or rather, a worrying lack of them could mean an international reprieve for Henry Paul, who was substituted after just 26 minutes of the defeat against Australia in November, or even a recall for Test veteran Mike Catt.

Stuart Abbott, Ollie Smith, Jamie Noon and Olly Barkley will also be in the equation, with Robinson due to announce the latest England elite player squad later this week.

"This is Jonny's third injury in a row, and to be out for four to six weeks is bitterly disappointing," said Robinson, who spoke with Wilkinson today as the frustrated Newcastle star headed home from France.

"He is a very good healer, so we have just got to wait and see. The Ireland game would be the earliest we can hope for."

Further specialist opinion will be sought today on Wilkinson's condition, but the psychological scars of yet another injury may take a long time to heal.