Wilkinson out for five months

England flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson is unlikely to play in next year's Six Nations Championship after being told he would not be fit for five months.

"I saw my knee specialist (on Thursday) and he confirmed the recovery time for my left knee is likely to be five months," Wilkinson said yesterday.

"It is no secret that this does not augur well for my hopes for England or the (British and Irish) Lions later in the summer but I will not rule anything out. If it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen, but it will have been worth striving for."

The World Cup winner suffered a dislocated left kneecap in Newcastle Falcons' defeat by Gloucester 10 days ago. He had an operation a week ago and yesterday said he would probably not play until early March. He will need more surgery later this year to see if the first operation was successful. However, Wilkinson denied any suggestion his career might be over.

"Forget it. It's not a consideration," the 29-year-old confirmed.

Although he has refused to write off his England chances, the final round of Six Nations matches is on March 21 and he would have precious little time to regain match fitness.

The longer recovery time will also affect his selection chances for next year's Lions tour to South Africa.

The injury-plagued Wilkinson, who started the season late after shoulder surgery kept him out of England's tour of New Zealand, will miss November's matches at Twickenham against the Pacific Islanders, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.

Wilkinson's injury clears the way for Danny Cipriani, who has recovered from a broken ankle sustained near the end of last season, to be called up for the tests, which kick off on November 8.

Cipriani was not included in England's 32-man elite squad and, under the new agreement between the Rugby Football Union and the clubs, players can be added only for injury replacement.