Wilkinson returns to training

Newcastle coach Rob Andrew said: "We'll just have to see how it goes this week.

"He has taken the next step, which is to rejoin the full squad for training, and we will have to wait and see if there is any reaction."

Newcastle are hoping Wilkinson will be available for their Heineken Cup quarter-final with French champions Stade Francais in Paris on 2 April.

If Wilkinson does play against Quins he is likely to come on as a replacement as the Falcons have another Premiership game - against Bath on Easter Sunday - before travelling to Paris.

There is also a possibility that Wilkinson, the England captain, will be fit for the world champions' final Six Nations fixture against Scotland on 19 March.

"We are working with England with regard to Jonny, and they are pretty relaxed and have left it pretty much in our hands," added Andrew.

"We will not be rushing him back before he is ready."

Wilkinson was sidelined for eight months last year while he recovered from a serious neck and shoulder problem.

Then, barely two months into his return, he suffered a bicep injury which meant another eight weeks on the sidelines while England played the autumn internationals.

He had only been back in action for a month when he was hit by the knee injury.