Wilkinson under citing cloud

England are waiting to find out if Jonny Wilkinson will become their latest Six Nations casualties.

England face playing a waiting game on Monday to discover if Jonny Wilkinson could join their escalating list of Six Nations casualties.

Injured quartet Mike Tindall, David Strettle, Lewis Moody and Tom Rees are confirmed absentees for next Sunday's clash against Italy in Rome.

In Gloucester centre Tindall's case, the entire tournament could be over as he recovers in a London hospital from bruising to his liver.

All four players were hurt during England's first Twickenham defeat to Wales for 20 years – a 19-26 loss at the weekend.

Fly-half Wilkinson's fate though, rests in the hands of match citing commissioner John West.

Irishman West has until 18.30 GMT on Monday to decide on lodging any complaint against Wilkinson after a challenge that left Wales flanker Jonathan Thomas dazed and out of the game.

If Wilkinson is cited, he would then face a disciplinary hearing, although there did not appear to be any intent on his behalf when his arm made contact with Thomas' head.

A possible citing is the last thing England head coach Brian Ashton needs as he gets to grips with an alarming injury crisis.

Moody (Achilles), Rees (knee ligament) and Strettle (foot) have all rejoined their clubs ahead of further medical reviews.

Tindall, meanwhile, is under observation at the Hammersmith Hospital after being hurt midway through the second period.

The Rugby Football Union say at this stage he is unlikely to play any further part in the tournament. After Italy, England face France in Paris, Scotland at Murrayfield then Ireland at Twickenham.

A further update on his condition is expected later on Monday, with Guinness Premiership leaders Gloucester also keeping an anxious eye on developments.

Strettle has suffered an injury to the same part of his foot that forced him out of World Cup contention.

He broke the fifth metatarsal in his left foot during pre-World Cup training at the University of Bath last summer.

And while no fracture has so far been diagnosed this time, he could also struggle to make England's remaining Six Nations fixtures after Italy.

With both Moody and Rees out of the action, it meant England played the entire second half with World Cup lock Ben Kay featuring as an emergency back row forward.

Ahead of the Wales clash, back-row players Lawrence Dallaglio (retired), Martin Corry (retired), Joe Worsley (neck), Nick Easter (knee) and Tom Croft (shoulder) were all unavailable.

It is thought Easter could be back in contention this week, but call-ups from outside the existing Six Nations training squad cannot be discounted.