The England fly-half, plagued by a series of injuries since the World Cup, has not played for two months after damaging knee ligaments in Newcastles European Cup tie against Perpignan.

Early estimates suggested Wilkinson might have been fit to play for England against Italy in the RBS 6 Nations at Twickenham.

Instead, he is set to take his place on the visitors bench over the road at the Stoop after Newcastles director of rugby Rob Andrew named him among 11 possible replacements.

With Newcastle enjoying only two games before they take on Stade Francais in the European Cup quarter-final, Wilkinsons inclusion in the list suggests he will be involved.

And just the whiff that Wilkinson could feature has helped ensure the match is a sell-out.

Should he come through without any negative reaction, Wilkinson might be in line for a first Test appearance since the World Cup final when England take on Scotland in their final RBS 6 Nations clash next weekend.

Andy Robinson is the one who has to decide whether to reintroduce him to the set-up, be it as a bench player or whatever,'' said Andrew.

''Thats somebody elses call, so all I can deal with is our game at Harlequins.''