The Newcastle fly-half has been ruled out for probably four to six weeks in order to recover from a haematoma to his right bicep - meaning he is likely to miss Englands autumn Test series in which he was due to lead the side for the first time.

Speculation suggested the injury was more serious than he was letting on - Wilkinson has only just returned from a career-threatening neck and shoulder injury which kept him out for eight months after the World Cup victory - but he dismissed those fears.

This week I knew there was no decision really. I had to rest, he said.

It would not take many more games before it got so bad that I couldnt actually play long term if the condition were allowed to deteriorate.

I was not told that one more hit would mean the end of the world but you have to make the link in your own head about the risk.

Wilkinson admitted that although he would have tried to play through the pain, the injury had already thrown him out of his usual routine and was making him more vulnerable in matches.

The injury has given me no chance to prepare. I could not continue going into games without the right preparation because I would always be looking at damage limitation, he told The Times.

I could not let it get worse and worse. I need to get to the bottom of it, clear the slate and come back.

The responsibility was given to me about the pain but I am not good at making decisions about whether I play or not because, deep down, I would never refuse to play.

It was a group decision. It had got to the stage where I was going into a game knowing I was waiting for that first hit and just praying for that hit not to happen.

The last thing I want to do is hide. This would lead to sides targeting me, which could only make things worse.