Wilkinson Injured Again

Jonny Wilkinson has undergone a hernia operation that will keep him out of action until Christmas.

The England fly-half, who damaged his groin in training last week, is set to miss four games for Newcastle after his sixth injury set-back since winning the World Cup in 2003. Newcastle insist the injury is not serious and say they expect Wilkinson to be available for the Premiership clash with Leeds on December 27.

"The injury is more commonly known as a sportsman's hernia, which is the same thing Alan Shearer had a few weeks ago," said Newcastle manager Rob Andrew. "We are told it's a fairly routine operation, and we hope to have him back for the Premiership game against Leeds on December 27, all things being well."

Wilkinson is set to miss Sunday's Premiership clash with Wasps, the Powergen Cup tie against Leeds and back-to-back European Challenge Cup matches against Italian side L'Aquila.

Wilkinson has suffered a catalogue of unconnected injuries since dropping the goal that won England the World Cup two years ago. After recovering from an operation to correct a serious neck problem, he suffered a haematoma in his arm and then two knee ligament injuries. He recovered to make the Lions tour but was then admitted to hospital with an inflamed appendix, which was subsequently removed, during Newcastle's pre-season tour of Japan.

Wilkinson's first two appearances of the season were off the bench but he has started Newcastle's last four games.

"It's yet another unfortunate blow to have Jonny out again with injury, but there's no point dwelling on it, you just have to deal with what's thrown at you," said Andrew.

"We're lucky in one regard at this club to have a number of quality players to cover that area, with Toby Flood starting there for us against Wasps on Sunday, and having a full international in Dave Walder as back-up on the bench."