Nikki Walker, the 24-times capped Scotland wing, will miss the World Cup in New Zealand next month on account of the knee injury he sustained in the closing stages of the Test against Italy at Murrayfield at the weekend.

Walker, 29, was consoled by his teammates and members of management when news was announced to the Scotland squad in Sunday.

Scotland team doctor James Robson said: "Nikki has sustained damage to the medial collateral ligament in his right knee.

"He was seen by knee specialist, consultant Graham Lawson, at the Spire Murrayfield Hospital last [Saturday] night and scans revealed the specific ligament damage and additional areas of concern.

"Nikki will now undergo further assessment on those areas as the knee settles from the initial insult. The assessment will take place on his return to his club, the Ospreys, under the care of the Ospreys medical team, led by Chris Towers.

"The ligament damage rules him out of selection for World Cup."

Scotland head coach Andy Robinson said: "Nikki has worked exceptionally hard in training and some of the running lines he made yesterday when he came off the bench were first-class.

"It’s obviously disappointing for Nikki.  We all feel for him but injuries do happen in sport and you just have to deal with them.  We wish Nikki a speedy recovery."

Scotland’s 30 man squad for the World Cup will be announced at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh on Monday.