Hodgson, ace goalkicker Jonny Wilkinson's longtime deputy, missed the World Cup after suffering with knee problems for most of 2003. His latest setback happened while playing for English Premiership side Sale during their 23-16 home European Cup defeat by Ireland's Leinster.

Hodgson took a knock early in the game but kept going until the 35th minute when he was replaced by former Springbok Braam van Straaten.

"It is the same knee," said Sale coach Jim Mallinder. "He actually took a bang on it last week and it took three or four days to clear. Unfortunately, he got another bang on it today. "We are going to have to have a look at it. If he is struggling, he will go for a scan and we'll take it from there."

Wilkinson is currently out with a shoulder problem and Hodgson's knock adds to the list of England players who have suffered injuries since the World Cup.

There had been speculation that Woodward would play Hodgson in the centres to act as a 'minder' for Wilkinson who is susceptible to "stinging" shoulder injuries when tackled or indeed delivering one of the big hits of his own that he so relishes.

World champions England start the defence of their Six Nations crown away to Italy in Rome on February 15 and Woodward could bring in experienced utility back Mike Catt at fly-half if Wilkinson fails to recover in time.