Wilkinson out after knee injury

LONDON - Jonny Wilkinson looks set to miss England's November meetings with Australia, New Zealand and South Africa after suffering a dislocated left knee.

The flyhalf was forced off the field 25 minutes into his club Newcastle's Premiership defeat at Gloucester on Tuesday evening and it was confirmed the following morning that the injury is, as feared, a serious one.

Newcastle director of rugby Steve Bates said: "It is obviously disappointing for Jonny to receive an injury just when he was back playing fantastic rugby, but he has enormous strength of character and I am sure he will come back stronger despite this blow."

The knee dislocation is the latest in a string of injury setbacks for the player.