Six Nations hope for Tindall

The 24-year-old should be fit for the Six Nations opener against Italy on 15 February after it was confirmed he has suffered no long-term shoulder damage.

Wilkinson was forced off prematurely on his return to action for Newcastle last Sunday against Northampton.

"I won't be playing this weekend but we'll be looking at next week or the week after," he said.

Wilkinson will miss Newcastle's home match against Harlequins on Sunday, after which come home and away legs against Montferrand in the Parker Pen Challenge Cup.

I won't let the injuries change the way I play the game Jonny Wilkinson

Should they win that tie, the Falcons will have a further round of European action on 24 January.

If they lose however, Wilkinson could only have one match - against Gloucester on 7 February - to prove his fitness before England open their Grand Slam defence.

"Hopefully he will be back on the field within a matter of weeks," said Newcastle director of rugby Rob Andrew.

"Knowing Jonny, it will be down to his powers of recovery and I've no doubt he'll want to play as soon as possible. I don't expect it to be all that long."

Wilko's shoulder problems explained

Wilkinson has also vowed not to change his tough tackling style, despite the problems with 'stingers' he has suffered throughout his career.

"I can't and won't let the injuries change the way I play the game," he said in his Times newspaper column.

"There is absolutely no damage whatsoever to my neck or bones, the soft tissue, discs or spinal column, so I intend to go out there and go again."

There was more encouraging news for England over centre Mike Tindall, who hopes to play some part in the Six Nations after learning he does not require an ankle operation.