BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | International | Wilkinson out for four weeks

England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson says he is likely to be out of the game until 2003 after injuring his left shoulder during the weekend victory over South Africa.

Wilkinson damaged the tissue to his AC joint at the start of the second half and will now undergo intensive physiotherapy.

Jonny Wilkinson took a number of big hits
Wilkinson suffered a damaged shoulder
The Springboks were widely condemned after the match, which they lost 53-3, for a brutal approach that resulted in four England players needing treatment.

Lock Jannes Labuschagne was red-carded for a late tackle on Wilkinson and has since been banned for 23 days.

"It's still very swollen but these injuries tend to take about three or four weeks," Wilkinson told BBC Sport Online.

"It happened just after I passed the ball to Martin Johnson in the second half.

"My shoulder just 'went'. It had nothing to do with the red card incident in the first half. It happened moments before I went off."

It's very frustrating but there's not much I can do about it

Jonny Wilkinson

The injury means Wilkinson will definitely miss Newcastle's Premiership match against Bristol as well as the club's Parker Pen Challenge Cup clashes against Treviso.

"I'm looking at four weeks and hoping to get back as soon as I can. But shoulders are a key part of the game," he said.

"It's very frustrating but there's not much I can do about it so I'm trying to remain relaxed as much as possible."

There is better news for team-mate Jason Robinson, who suffered a perforated ear drum during the clash.

The England full-back may well be back in action for Sale in their Zurich Premiership game with Bath on Friday.

"Regarding my ear, it is not as uncomfortable now as it was over the weekend and I expect to play for the Sharks against Bath," said Robinson.


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