England centre Olly Barkley will miss the Six Nations opener against Wales on February 4th with a dislocated right thumb.

Barkley had a plaster cast put on his wrist after sustaining the injury during Bath's 35-23 Heineken Cup defeat by Leinster on Sunday and will see a specialist tonight.

England head coach Andy Robinson said: "It's unfortunate for Olly, Bath and England because he's an important part of the squad.

"At this stage it's too early to say how long he will be out of action but we wish him all the best and a speedy recovery."

Robinson has cover available at inside centre with Mike Tindall, Stuart Abbott and Jamie Noon in his Six Nations squad.

The injury has also ruled him out of Saturday's Guinness Premiership clash with Wasps at the Recreation Ground.

England's Six Nations squad met at Loughborough University for training today and will reconvene at Pennyhill Park on Sunday.