England's injury-hit preparations for the 2005 RBS 6 Nations Championship were last night dealt a double blow.
Centre Will Greenwood looks certain to miss the entire tournament after undergoing shoulder surgery while Gloucester wing James Simpson-Daniel will have an operation on his left shoulder next Wednesday.
England are already without flanker Richard Hill for the whole of this season due to a serious knee injury, while Greenwood's World Cup centre partner Mike Tindall is struggling with a foot problem.
And Newcastle fly-half Jonny Wilkinson, a strong candidate for the inside-centre berth against opening Six Nations opponents Wales on February 5, has not started a game since mid-October following a bicep injury.
Elsewhere, World Cup props Trevor Woodman and Phil Vickery have hardly played this season, in addition to several players announcing their retirement from Test rugby throughout 2004, so Robinson has his hands full ahead of a debut Six Nations tournament as red rose boss.
Harlequins star Greenwood, capped 55 times, underwent an operation on his right shoulder yesterday and is unlikely to be regain full match fitness for four months. The length of Simpson-Daniel's absence will not be known until after he goes under the surgeon's knife.
"It is disappointing to hear of the injuries to these world-class players," said England head coach Andy Robinson.
"But I am pleased to note their progress has so far been positive. It is a cause for concern that there appears to be more injuries at this level, and it is important we all protect the welfare and longevity of every professional player."
Greenwood has struggled for form this season and was on the bench throughout England's autumn series of Tests against Canada, South Africa and Australia.
But the 32-year-old boasts an outstanding try-scoring record against Wales and Robinson might have been tempted to start with him at the Millennium Stadium.
Tindall, meanwhile, is battling to overcome a foot injury which early forecasts suggested would not heal in time for the Cardiff showdown.
One rabbit out of the hat though could be to switch Jason Robinson from full-back to centre.
