England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson is likely to miss the 2009 Six Nations after being sidelined for five months with a dislocated knee."This is the most debilitating injury I've had," Wilkinson told the Times. "But I'll nail one thing: the idea this might be the end of my playing career. Forget it. It's not a consideration."
The 29-year-old underwent surgery after dislocating his left knee at Gloucester last week and he originally expected to be out for four months - which would have given him a fighting chance of playing in the Six Nations.
However, England's 2003 World Cup hero will now be struggling to return in time for the final round of matches on March 21.
His next key date would be the Lions tour in May, but Wilkisnon would have to prove he is fit and playing well before the tour party is named - with likely candidates to emerge in the Six Nations.
"I saw my knee specialist (on Thursday) and he confirmed the recovery time for my left knee is likely to be five months," said Wilkinson, who will require more surgery later this year to see if the first operation was successful.
"It is no secret that this does not augur well for my hopes for England or the Lions later in the summer but I will not rule anything out."
