He was forced off the field 25 minutes into Newcastle's Guinness Premiership match with Gloucester on Tuesday night and now looks set to miss England's autumn tests.

Newcastle director of rugby Steve Bates said: "It is obviously disappointing for Jonny to receive an injury just when he was back playing fantastic rugby, but he has enormous strength of character and I am sure he will come back stronger despite this blow."

It had been feared that Wilkinson had suffered knee ligament damage when he limped off after being caught in a ruck during the match.

Now England's record-points scorer looks set to miss the autumn international Tests which begin with a clash with Pacific Islanders on November 8.

They then take on Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.

The fly-half has been plagued by injury since landing the winning drop-kick in the 2003 World Cup final against Australia.

He needed treatment on a shoulder injury after that match and has since picked up knee, bicep and groin injuries.

He has also required surgery to cure kidney and appendix problems before being sidelined with his latest injury.