Jonny Wilkinson has admitted his knee injury is worse than first thought, making it less likely he will be able to play any part in the RBS 6 Nations. The England skipper sustained ligament damage in his left knee in Newcastle's Heineken Cup match away to Perpignan.
Initially, the injury was diagnosed as a minor tear, with a standard recovery time of four to six weeks.
But Wilkinson told The Times: "I am off crutches but my walking is still hampered, so I know I can't kick."
It it is now feared Wilkinson will need six to eight weeks to recover.
The most optimistic outcome may enable him to return for England's matches against Italy on 12 March and Scotland on 19 March, both at Twickenham.
But if ruled out for eight weeks a return to the international game before the British and Irish Lions' tour to New Zealand would be impossible. Wilkinson added: "It could drive me insane not being able to practise the kicking, but I have accepted that.
"This is the case and am trying to keep it in the back of my mind.
"It would have been harder having to stop myself from kicking if it had just been a slight strain."
MMIX
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