"At the moment we're probably looking at around 4-6 weeks out for him," said Andrew, whose side fell 16-14 to Bristol in Sunday's Guinness Premiership clash at Kingston Park.

"It's just the way things are. It's nobody's fault, but it's disappointing that we have to go through it all again.

"I had hoped that there weren't many body parts left to get injured, but it's immensely frustrating for all of us, especially Jonny, who just wants to play rugby. It's starting to verge on the bizarre."

Assessing the potential impact of the latest setback, he added: "I think it pretty much puts paid to the autumn internationals, so it will most likely be over two years that he hasn't played for England."

Repeatedly asked about Wilkinson in the post-match press conference, however, Andrew reiterated: "It's frustrating, but there's nothing we can do about it.

"We've managed for the last two years, and we'll manage for another four or six weeks.

"The odd thing is that they have all been totally separate injuries, not related to each other, and it's made him very philosophical about the whole thing. In his position what else is there to do? You just have to get back on the horse."

He even joked: "I heard a rumour that he jogged out of hospital, just to prove that it wasn't that bad.

"He'll be fine, he'll be back, and he'll probably keep the appendix in a jar on his mantelpiece.

"I've given up on taking money out of the petty cash to buy grapes for him now!"