That means Wilkinson will most likely miss Sunday's GUINNESS PREMIERSHIP clash with London Wasps, as well as a Powergen Cup trip to Leeds and home-and-away European Challenge Cup matches against Italian side L'Aquila.

The fly half has made four competitive starts and two bench appearances for the Falcons this season, scoring 73 points, with Andrew stating: "It's yet another unfortunate blow to have Jonny out again with injury, but there's no point dwelling on it, you just have to deal with what's thrown at you.

"We're lucky in one regard at this club to have a number of quality players to cover that area, with Toby Flood starting there for us against Wasps on Sunday, and having a full international in Dave Walder as back-up on the bench."

Meanwhile, Andrew revealed that the Falcons could see the return of Scottish lock Stuart Grimes next Friday at Leeds, following a torn pectoral muscle, while Kiwi centre Mark Mayerhofler is back to full fitness and will start this Sunday against Wasps at Kingston Park.