England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson underwent surgery on Friday on his injured left knee with his Newcastle club reporting no complications although he is still unlikely to play again before Christmas.

England's 2003 World Cup final match-winner suffered his latest injury in Tuesday's Premiership match against Gloucester, a setback which has ruled him out of the autumn Tests against the Pacific Islanders, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.

The 29-year-old Wilkinson's career has been blighted by repeated injury setbacks since the World Cup almost four years ago.

His latest setback came just four games into his return from summer shoulder surgery that meant he missed England's two-Test New Zealand tour.

Newcastle rugby director Steve Bates said: "Jonny has had his operation, and the reports are that it went well. They are optimistic about it, and we will have to see how it progresses.

"It is a reasonably difficult injury, and it will take a bit of time to come back. Jonny plays with 100-percent effort, and in that respect he is very vulnerable, but he is just the same as everyone else."

In Wilkinson's absence, Newcastle lost their opening Anglo-Welsh Cup game 25-14 against Newport Gwent on Friday night.

Wasps fly-half Danny Cipriani is favourite to wear England's number 10 shirt next month. He returned from an horrific knee injury when Wasps lost at home to Bath three days ago, making a 50-minute appearance.

AFP

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