It is the latest blow to England's hopes of defending their Grand Slam, with five other players out of action. (It just gets better and better doesn’t it?)

(Irritating speccy twat) Coach Sir Clive Woodward is already without Mike Tindall, Charlie Hodgson, Julian White, Lewis Moody and Stuart Abbott for the opening game in Italy next Sunday.

Wilkinson saw a specialist on Friday, who recommended surgery to clear up a problem that has dogged him since the World Cup. (Why couldn’t the problem have dogged him during the RWC?)

He has played just 53 minutes of rugby since his winning drop goal secured victory against Australia on 22 November. (Which everyone knows was a complete fluke)

…Wilkinson has maintained his fitness levels during his absence, but admitted on Thursday that his failure to shake off the shoulder problem was getting him down. (Aw, the lamb)

"I have been training very hard for each game during the week and then having to deal with the disappointment in quite an intense way when coming up to the weekend that I was not going to make it," he said. (Before crying like a big girl)

Wilkinson's half-back partner Matt Dawson believes England have sufficient cover to cope with the absence of their World Cup hero. (Although to be honest, he would say that wouldn’t he?)

"If it means Jonny comes back fitter and stronger and able to play for England for many years to come, then let's get it done and move on," he told BBC Radio Five Live. (Although no one else on Planet Earth agreed with him)

"We are in a very fortunate position. Jonny has set such high standards that everybody - especially the fly-halves - realise what level they have got to be at if they want to compete with him. ("High standards" ooh, get her)

"Paul Grayson is very experienced, Alex King has played a few games for England before and Olly Barkley is having the season of his life. (Ooh look! We’re all shaking with fear)