Barkley was set to play a major role for England in the Six Nations
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Olly Barkley is unlikely to play any part in England's Six Nations campaign, according to Bath coach Brian Ashton.
The 24-year-old fly-half has been out of action since dislocating his thumb in Bath's Heineken Cup defeat against Leinster at the end of January.
Barkley subsequently underwent surgery and had the pins out on Tuesday.
"I think the operation has been successful, so it is going to be two or three weeks before he is fit and available for selection," Ashton said.
Barkley was in contention to start at inside centre in England's opening game against Wales on 4 February before he picked up the injury.
He was initially expected to miss the first three games of the Six Nations but this latest medical bulletin seems to indicate that he will also sit out the match with France on 12 March and the clash with Ireland six days later.
The injury to Barkley, who has won 14 caps, reduces Robinson's options in trying to produce an effective midfield combination.
England's backline has failed to gel since the autumn internationals last year and their deficiencies were brought into sharp focus last weekend when the team lost to Scotland for the first time in six years.
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