Surgeon hopeful over Wilkinson return

Simon Moyes says England star Wilkinson can realistically expect a four-month recovery time after the Newcastle fly-half dislocated his knee-cap at Gloucester eight days ago.

"His knee will probably be in a splint for six weeks, followed by an intensive physiotherapy programme thereafter," said Moyes. "The earliest he would be likely to get back to top-level rugby in my view would be three months, but more likely four. I would estimate there will be a 90% chance of him doing so."

He added: "The immediate treatment is to relocate the knee-cap, which is normally done on the field, then X-rays and MRI scans are taken to try and quantify the level of damage.

"Options then run from non-operative treatment, which is immobilisation in a splint or cast for six weeks, to the other end of the spectrum.

"This is arthroscopic assessment of the joint surface, a repair of the joint surface and repair of the muscular tendinous junction. I would expect Jonny would have had the latter."

Wilkinson, 29, was hurt just four games into his latest career comeback.

He underwent summer shoulder surgery that made him unavailable for England's two-Test New Zealand tour, but the knee injury is just the latest in a painful catalogue of fitness problems since his drop-goal saw England 2003 World Cup winners.

It is expected that England boss Martin Johnson will promote fit-again Danny Cipriani to the senior squad as Wilkinson's replacement during the next fortnight.