England have suffered a double injury blow ahead of their final Six Nations game against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, with the news that captain Phil Vickery and centre Mike Tindall will both miss the Millennium Stadium clash.

Wasps prop Vickery has not recovered from the concussion that ruled him out of yesterday's 26-18 victory over France, while Tindall is in a London hospital suffering from a suspected knee infection.

Andy Farrell, meanwhile, will not join up with the England squad this week as he continues to have treatment on his lower back.

A decision on outhalf Jonny Wilkinson's availability will be made tomorrow. He has been suffering from a hamstring strain, and was not involved against France.

Elsewhere, stand-in skipper Mike Catt (hamstring) should be available to train later this week, together with Toby Flood (leg).

Tindall scored England's match-clinching try against the French, but was admitted to hospital last night. The possible infection is to his left knee, and he underwent an arthroscopic wash-out. He will remain in hospital for the next few days.

With the 53 times-capped World Cup winner sidelined, Newcastle's Mathew Tait is his likely replacement against Wales.

Vickery's continued absence, meanwhile, should see Catt retained as captain, provided he shakes off his hamstring problem.

England head coach Brian Ashton said: "It is unfortunate for Mike (Tindall) and England because I felt he played a key part in our success yesterday, and I hope he makes a swift recovery."

Flood, who marked his first Test start by scoring 16 points, went off midway through the second period and was replaced by London Irish prospect Shane Geraghty.

But England say Flood is "making progress," and he could well keep the number 10 shirt against Wales, even if Wilkinson is declared fit.

It all represents a disappointing start to the week for Ashton and his squad though, as they target a win that could see England crowned Six Nations champions if results go their way elsewhere.