But a decision on whether or not he makes Falcons match-day 22 will not be made until after training on Friday.

England World Cup hero Wilkinson has not played for more than six weeks, having undergone groin surgery in yet another fitness setback during a catalogue of injuries over the past two years.

Wilkinsons last England appearance came in the 2003 World Cup final, while he has only started four games for Newcastle this season.

Our policy with Jonny, or any other injured player for that matter, has never changed, said Falcons rugby director Rob Andrew.

If he is fit, then he will be considered for selection. If not, then we will keep going with his rehab until he is fully ready.

We have delayed naming our team until noon on Friday, purely because we have given the squad Wednesday and Thursday off training following a big game against Leeds at Headingley on Tuesday, so we have not had a chance to assess them ahead of this weekend.

We will train on Friday morning, take a look at the players and then make our selection from there.

If he is given the all-clear, then Wilkinson is likely to feature among the replacements for a potential first outing since mid-November.

Falcons officials, meanwhile, are confident the Worcester game will go ahead at Kingston Park, despite Wednesdays heavy snowfall in the north-east. More than 7,500 tickets have already been sold.