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Rugby Union

England skipper Vickery doubtful for New Zealand tour

16/04/2008

England captain Phil Vickery has been ruled out for eight weeks with a knee injury sustained playing for Wasps against Sale last night.

The 32-year-old suffered a tear to the medial collateral ligament of his right knee and is not expected to return to first-team rugby until the second week in June.

In a statement, Wasps confirmed Vickery "will begin an intensive rehabilitation programme immediately" although this may not see him recover in time to play for England in New Zealand.

The tourists have two Test matches scheduled against the All Blacks on June 14th and June 21st.

And while the timescale for Vickery's recovery means he will technically be fit again a few days before the first game, he will have had no match practise for Wasps in the lead-up to the tour.

The injury has also been described by Wasps director of rugby Ian McGeechan as "a major blow… at a crucial time of the season" as he will be absent for the remaining matches of the team's Guinness Premiership campaign.

However, McGeechan added: "The busy schedule we've been faced with recently has demonstrated the strength that we have throughout the Wasps squad.

"With careful management allied to the spirit and determination the players are showing, we are confident we can remain competitive for the remainder of the season."