Another injury setback for Wilkinson

JONNY Wilkinson's hopes of starting the new season on schedule could be ruined by his latest fitness setback.

Wilkinson was admitted to hospital in Tokyo during Newcastle's recent pre-season tour to Japan suffering from an inflamed appendix, and is now undergoing further tests on his return home.

If Wilkinson, whose career since the 2003 World Cup has been blighted by repeated injury setbacks, requires surgery, then he could be out for up to six weeks.