Jonny Wilkinson has been ruled out of England's opening two Six Nations matches, and has been given only a 50-50 chance of being fit for the highly anticipated clash against Ireland at Lansdowne Road.
England captain Wilkinson faces up to six weeks on the sidelines after suffering a partial medial ligament tear during Newcastle's Heineken Cup defeat against Perpignan in France yesterday - extending his exile from international rugby to 15 months.
England coach Andy Robinson had already lost centres Mike Tindall and Will Greenwood, flanker Richard Hill and number eight Martin Corry for the February 5 Millennium Stadium opener against Wales.
Wilkinson will miss the Wales game and the appointment with reigning champions France at Twickenham eight days later, while his chances of lining up for the world champions against Ireland on February 27 are 50-50 at best.
The injury also raises serious questions about his Lions tour prospects in New Zealand next summer, given such a prolonged absence from the Test match arena.
A serious shoulder and neck problem put him out of rugby for eight months last year; then an injured bicep meant another two months' inactivity.
During Wilkinson's absence, England lost six games from 11 starts in 2004 - and their Six Nations chances have receded without his talismanic presence.
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 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.
But he could be tempted to spring a surprise by switching Jason Robinson from full-back to centre, a position from where he started England's Six Nations campaign last season.
"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 tomorrow on Wilkinson's condition, but the psychological scars of yet another injury may take a long time to heal."
"It is the sort of injury that means he should be able to come back playing the minute he is available," said Newcastle rugby director Rob Andrew.
"It is just a matter of when he is happy with the knee and feels comfortable.
"Early March is the prognosis today for his return. This is a blow for everyone - Jonny, us and England - and it is extraordinary that he has had three injuries which are totally unrelated.
"He had an MRI scan last night, and there is quite a lot of relief that it is not as bad as it could have been."
Newcastle, who have become accustomed to Wilkinson's absence since the World Cup, will be without him for their crucial Heineken Cup clash against Newport Gwent Dragons at Kingston Park next Sunday.
But the situation is compounded by potential fly-half deputies Dave Walder and Matt Burke currently carrying injuries before a game Newcastle must win in their quest for a quarter-final place.
England - on top of losing retired World Cup stars like Martin Johnson, Lawrence Dallaglio and Neil Back - must now begin 2005 with injuries taking centre stage.
Robinson has no option but to re-structure his midfield, while also re-working the back-row equation in Corry's absence.
Jason Robinson, meanwhile, is likely to continue as captain - after filling in for Wilkinson during the autumn Test appointments with Canada, South Africa and Australia.
