Wilkinson, only 10 games into his top-flight return after recovering from a career-threatening neck and shoulder problem, has suffered a haematoma to his right bicep.

He received a muscle bleed in his upper arm during the start of this season, and then took a blow on the same spot during Newcastles English Premiership defeat against Wasps 11 days ago.

England head coach Andy Robinson retains hope that Wilkinson - the man he appointed skipper in succession to Lawrence Dallaglio - could recover in time.

But the more realistic estimates suggest Wilkinson is unlikely to be available before England's Cook Cup Test against the Wallabies on November 27 at Twickenham, meaning Robinson would have to look elsewhere for a fly-half and a captain.

It would be a crying shame because he is an icon of the modern game and he would be a very good captain, said Leonard.

He has respect and leadership values. He doesn't feel or think like he is an icon.

But he wouldn't ask anybody to do anything he wouldn't be prepared to do himself and that is why he would make a good captain.

In the manner Jonny plays, he has such a heart, he would put his head where people are scared to put their boots.

But you have to be careful with injuries like that in case they calcify.

Wilkinson will be monitored by the Newcastle and England medical teams, but it looks as though his legions of fans might be kept waiting until this seasons RBS 6 Nations Championship kicks off in February for a return to international duty.

Weve received medical advice this week and spoken at length with Jonny, said Newcastle rugby director Rob Andrew.

As always, we are doing what is in the best interests of the player.

We feel that with every player, weve always done what is right medically, and weve never forced any player into a position which threatens them.

This is unfortunate, following on from Jonnys previous injury, but it is not related at all to that one, and is completely separate.

We will just let him recover over the next few weeks, and then get him back on the field again. We are obviously disappointed that Jonny will be out for a while.