World Cup-winning flyhalf Jonny Wilkinson could be back in action within weeks after being reassured about a shoulder injury he suffered in a club match last weekend.
Newcastle director of rugby Rob Andrew said Wilkinson had seen a specialist who had confirmed there was no long-term damage.
"I am delighted to confirm that there is no long-term damage to Jonny's shoulder and we expect Jonny to be fit again within a matter of weeks," he told the Newcastle Falcons website.
The news will be a boost for England, who start the defence of their Six Nations championship against Italy in Rome on February 15th.
Wilkinson, whose extra-time drop goal sealed England's 20-17 World Cup win over Australia in November, was forced off the pitch last Sunday after 53 minutes of a game between Newcastle and Northampton.
It was his first match since the final in Sydney.
England's World Cup flanker Richard Hill could be out of action for four weeks, however, after being told he needs surgery on a broken nose.
The Saracens player was injured when New Zealand Barbarians lock Troy Flavell caught him with a swinging arm tackle as Hill led an England XV at Twickenham on December 20th.
Flavell was cited for the incident and faces a disciplinary hearing in January.
Hill's fellow international Mike Tindall looks sure to miss the Six Nations after rupturing lateral ligaments in his right ankle. Bath head coach John Connolly said the centre was expected to be out for around 12 weeks.