Thursday 12 February 2015 13:50, UK
England prop David Wilson has been ruled out of the entire Six Nations Championship with a neck injury.
The 29-year-old Bath tighthead, who is facing up to 12 weeks on the sidelines, should be fit to return in time for England's World Cup training camp.
His return will be based on his progress during rehab, but our medical team are confident he will be back playing for Bath before the end of the season.
Coach Stuart Lancaster said: "David has seen the specialist and will be out for the Six Nations. He's booked in for an operation on Friday that will relieve his nerve impingement."
Wilson missed England's tournament opener against Wales - a 21-16 victory at the Millennium Stadium - due to the nerve problem which is similar to the one which has ruled lock Joe Launchbury out of the championship.
Bath head coach Mike Ford said: "We are disappointed for Davey that he'll miss the Six Nations. Following his operation, he'll return to the club to commence his rehabilitation.
"His return will be based on his progress during rehab, but our medical team are confident he will be back playing for Bath before the end of the season."
'Rehabilitation'
"England Rugby will work closely with Bath Rugby's medical staff on his rehabilitation."
Lancaster's options have been hit following a host of injuries before the start of the tournament with Wilson the ninth member of the squad to pull out.
While Saracens centre Brad Barritt and Leicester second row Geoff Parling could return at some point during the series - after both suffered knee ligament injuries - six others have either been ruled out or have no expected return date.
Fly-half Owen Farrell suffered a left knee ligament injury during Saracens' European Champions Cup defeat at Clermont and is out of the entire championship while Gloucester No 8 Ben Morgan had ankle surgery after being carried off against Saracens last month and is also out.
Powerful Leicester centre Manu Tuilagi is unavailable due to a chronic groin condition he first suffered last October while Bath centre Kyle Eastmond aggravated a shoulder in the final weekend of European club action and no date has been set for his return.
Finally, Northampton flanker Tom Wood injured his ankle against Racing Metro and, while he did not require surgery, it is unknown when he will return.
