Wilkinson, 25, might have been named in an England squad for the first time since the World Cup had he come through his return to first-team rugby unscathed on Sunday.

But instead Wilkinson is back on the rehab trail after re-injuring his left knee just 32 minutes into Newcastle's Premiership game against Harlequins.

Initial scans suggest the injury is not as bad as the ligament damage from which he had spent the last two months recovering, but Wilkinson's hopes of making the British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand remain up in the air.

Corry admitted Wilkinson's latest injury setback - his fourth since the World Cup final - is ''very disappointing'' for English rugby. But he also offered bullish words of encouragement.

''He is really going through it at the minute. Everyone sends their best wishes and hopes he gets over this very quickly. It's very disappointing for Jonny, it's very disappointing for English rugby as a whole,'' said Corry.

''It is one of those things but with it happening to Jonny, you know there's not a guy on the planet with as much mental strength as he has.

''So if anyone can get through it all, then he can.''