Jonny's injured career
Wed, 01 Oct 2008 11:24
English international Jonny Wilkinson's latest injury is just another in a horrific series that the Newcastle star has faced over his career.
The Newcastle No.10 limped off the Kingsholm turf on Tuesday midway through the first half and, depending on the extend of the injury, could face another lengthy spell on the sidelines.
In a statement from the club on Wednesday afternoon, while not putting a time frame on his recovery, Newcastle did confirm that Wilkinson had dislocated his knee and will now seek the advice of specialist before getting beginning his recovery.
Newcastle Director of Rugby Steve Bates: "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."
However bad it may or may not be though, what is clear, is that Wilkinson will now face yet another battle to regain fitness in time to be available for his country in the November Test campaign.
The England season begins on November 8 at Twickenham when the Pacific Islanders come calling but only time will tell whether England's record points-scorer will even be available for selection.
Wilkinson of course is not certainty for the starting spot with competition from Leicester’s Toby Flood and, the seemingly fit against, Danny Cipriani both keen to establish themselves as international regulars.
Adding to their woes the Falcons went on to suffer their third defeat of the season, going down 39-23, but the headlines were certainly all about the loss of Wilkinson.
Such a critical part to both club and country when at his best the 29 year-old has endured a frustrating time with injuries throughout his career and, having played just four game since returning from his latest shoulder injury, will surely be disappointed with the latest setback.
Wilko’s Injury Timeline:
May 2002 – Ruled out for the rest of the season after damaging ankle ligaments in a Premiership game for the Falcons v Gloucester.
December 2003 – The first in a series of shoulder problems sidelines the star before his return is also then delayed after the fractured facet in the joint suffers further damage.
February 2004 – Despite his best efforts Wilkinson has to have a shoulder operation, ruling him out of the upcoming Six Nations competition.
October 2004 – Having been named as England captain for the fourth coming autumn tests he is forced to stand down as he faces six weeks out of action with a haematoma in the right arm.
January 2005 – This time playing in the Heineken Cup the unfortunate flyhalf suffers knee ligament damage and is ruled out for up to two months.
March 2005 – Heartbreakingly, on his return to action in the Guinness Premiership, the competitions all time leading points scorer, suffers medial ligament damage.
July 2005 – Another shoulder injury, this time playing for the British and Irish Lions'. Ruling him out of the rest of the series.
November 2005 – A major operation to correct groin problems forces yet another extended period away from the game.
January 2006 – A torn adductor muscle.
September 2006 – Knee ligament damage, this time serious enough to completely rule him out of the upcoming tests.
November 2006 – Kidney damage on return to action, one more month out.
May 2008 - Second shoulder surgery rules him out of England’s tour to New Zealand.
Tuesday – Suspected left knee ligament damage… time out – still unknown.
