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Wilkinson early return 'foolhardy'

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LONDON, England -- World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson is extremely doubtful for England's opening Six Nations clash against Scotland next month with his long-time fitness coach warning that a hasty return would be "foolhardy."

The 27-year-old Newcastle Falcons fly-half was a surprise choice in coach Brian Ashton's first England squad after being beset by a string of injuries.

Wilkinson has not played for his country since landing the decisive drop-goal in their 2003 triumph over Australia and is still recovering from a freak kidney injury he sustained playing for the Falcons on November 3.

His fitness mentor Steve Black said it was unlikely that Wilkinson would be fit to turn out in the February 3 clash with the Scots.

"I don't think Jonny will be ready for the Scotland game," Black told BBC Sport.

"It would be foolhardy to rush him back. He needs time to adjust to the playing environment. We need to get him back on to the field for Newcastle."

Black added: "I work one on one with Jonny every day -- and he's determined, ambitious and in great nick.

"He was very sore and uncomfortable following the injury, but the soreness has subsided now. A fit Jonny Wilkinson is a major bonus to the England squad."

Wilkinson has suffered 10 serious injuries since the World Cup triumph in Sydney in November 2003.

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