Tuesday, September 12 2006 12:30 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

London: England rugby star Jonny Wilkinson could miss the autumn international tests after being told he will be sidelined for up to eight weeks with a torn medial ligament in his right knee.

Wilkinson has suffered a catalogue of injuries since the 2003 World Cup when he kicked the championship-winning drop goal, which beat hosts Australia - including neck, bicep, and knee ligament and groin problems.

And the Newcastle fly half, injured against Worcester on Friday (8 Sep, 2006) when a teammate fell on him, is likely not to return to international action until the 2007 Six Nations Championship.

Wilkinson, England's record points scorer, has not represented his country since the 2003 World Cup final in Sydney, having suffered a series of setbacks including three knee injuries, in addition to neck, bicep, groin and appendix problems.

Despite being named in England's elite player squad last month, he now looks to have little chance of being available for the November Tests against New Zealand, Argentina and South Africa (twice).

"The scans have confirmed what we initially thought on the night," says Newcastle rugby director John Fletcher.

"At the moment, we are probably looking at Jonny being out for somewhere between four and eight weeks." "We are bitterly disappointed for him because he had finished last season so well, had an excellent pre-season and then started brightly again this time around."

"It was a freak accident really, but these sorts of industrial injuries are not uncommon in rugby and we look forward to having him back again fully fit."

Wilkinson has already placed doubt over his role for England after revealing the extent of his latest crisis.

"I know some people will start thinking about what that means regarding the autumn international season. I guess it does not augur well but to be honest thoughts of England are miles away," he says.

"I've started to come to terms with my situation. I accept the injuries more quickly and rather than wasting mental energy feeling frustrated I'm instead thinking 'What can I do to cut down the rehab time.'"

Wilkinson was helped from the field early in the second half after being caught under a teammate at the bottom of a ruck.