Wilkinson has been ruled out for between four and six weeks because of a haematoma in his upper arm and looks set to miss the autumn Tests against Canada, South Africa and Australia.

But Black has no doubts the 25-year-old will conquer this latest obstacle.

He told BBC Sport: Hes made remarkable progress and is in better shape than ever.

He continually heads the fitness test results for the England team and has done absolutely marvellously since he came back from that operation.

The game he played against Bath was one of the best games hes ever played for Newcastle Falcons.

Hes been a little bit unfortunate getting this one. Hes a victim of himself, being so brave.
Such is the nature of the sport that people will get these injuries.

Black insists the injury is not serious or not linked to the more serious neck and shoulder injuries sustained during the World Cup and which ruled him out for eight months this year.

Instead, he believes Wilkinson requires an indefinite period of rest while his progress is monitored.

Black said: This particular injury needs to be well looked after and looked at week by week.

Jonny needs to stay away from any direct trauma on it and we will just see how it progresses.

Theres no definitive period of rehab and definite date for when hell play again.

As long as he has a positive view and continues to do his work and keep his fitness up, then anything could happen.

It would be foolhardy for him to continue to play on because its in such a position that he will whack it again as soon as he starts playing.

Black described concerns that Wilkinson would have to adapt his style of play as a result of the injury as silly beyond belief.

Instead he expects the fly-half to continue improving before reaching his peak in his early to mid-30s.

He said: Hell mature as a player and hell get better and better.

He wont change because of any traumas or injuries hes had.

Hes still the same kid and hell continue to get better.