LONDON - England fly half Jonny Wilkinson dislocated his left knee in the latest injury setback likely to end his hopes of returning for the autumn internationals.

The 29-year-old Wilkinson's fourth match back from summer shoulder surgery ended early Tuesday night with him being helped from the field after injuring his knee. His Newcastle Falcons lost 39-23 to Gloucester in the Premiership.

Wilkinson, whose England career has been blighted by injuries since his drop-goal won the 2003 World Cup against Australia, will receive further specialist advice and treatment following Wednesday's scan.

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

Wilkinson's latest setback came as England fly half rival, the 20-year-old Danny Cipriani, prepared to return six weeks early for Wasps later Wednesday - four months after dislocating his right ankle.

England hosts the Pacific Islanders on Nov. 8 at Twickenham before facing the Tri-Nations contingent of Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.

But given his injury, Cipriani was not named in the 32-man elite England squad - only the second-tier Saxons squad.