England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson is set to play his first game since the World Cup final when he lines up for his club Newcastle against Guinness Premierhsip leaders Gloucester next weekend.

Wilkinson (pictured), who helped England to the World Cup final where they lost 15-6 to South Africa, has been sidelined with an ankle injury since and has yet to play for the Falcons this season.

But Newcastle director of rugby John Fletcher believes his England star will be fit for the visit of the Cherry and Whites next Sunday.

Wilkinson's ankle problem is another in a long line of injuries that have restricted the playing time of the 2003 World Cup winner.

England and Newcastle team-mate Toby Flood is also close to fitness after twisting his ankle in training earlier in the week.

"Jonny's ankle hasn't settled as much as we thought it would, so he has had an injection this week to get the inflammation down a bit," explained Fletcher, whose side travel to Wasps on Sunday.

"He was very close to playing this weekend and he did most of our training throughout the week, but he will resume full training on Monday and will be in contention for selection for the following game (against Gloucester).

"Toby Flood being out is a frustration as well, because he'd recovered from his previous injury and then just rolled his ankle in training on Monday."

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport