Jonny Wilkinson has not yet been ruled out of the Lions' third Test selection plans - despite suffering another 'stinger' injury.

England star Wilkinson was hurt during the 48-18 second Test defeat against New Zealand in Wellington last Saturday, experiencing neck and shoulder problems after making a tackle.

Wilkinson sustained numbness in his arm as a result, continuing a catalogue of injury troubles which have troubled him since the 2003 World Cup.

Stephen Jones and Charlie Hodgson, who starts for the Lions against Auckland on Tuesday, are on stand-by to replace him in next Saturday's final Test.

But the Lions say that no decision has been made on Wilkinson's availability to face the All Blacks at Eden Park.

"Jonny continues to receive treatment, and continues to improve," said a Lions spokesperson on Monday.

"A decision on availability for selection will be made at the appropriate time."

Wilkinson has looked a pale shadow of the player who helped steer England to World Cup glory 19 months ago, and he was outplayed by his opposite number Dan Carter at Westpac Stadium two days ago.

It will be a major surprise if he regains full fitness in time for Saturday, with the Lions having earlier lost his fellow World Cup stars Lawrence Dallaglio and Richard Hill through injuries, while captain Brian O'Driscoll's tour ended prematurely because of a dislocated shoulder.