Phil Vickery, the London Wasps captain, will miss the remainder of the Guinness Premiership season after tearing a medial knee ligament.

The England prop limped out of last night's game with Sale Sharks, and a scan this morning has revealed that Vickery has torn the medial collateral ligament of his right knee. Vickery will begin an intensive rehabilitation programme immediately, with his recovery expected to take eight weeks.

Ian McGeechan, Wasps' director of rugby said, “Losing a player of Phil’s calibre and experience is obviously a major blow, especially at this crucial time of the season. However, the busy schedule we’ve been faced with recently has demonstrated the strength that we have throughout the Wasps squad; with careful management allied to the spirit and determination the players are showing, we are confident we can remain competitive for the remainder of the season.”

Wasps have four Premiership games remaining this season and having won their past seven league matches are on course to secure a play-off place.