Newcastle Falcons director of rugby Steve Bates admits he is not sure when England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson will return to action.

Wilkinson, 29, has undergone surgery on a dislocated knee but Bates does not know when he will fully recover.

"It's uncertain because we don't know if the operation has been a complete success," he told BBC Look North.

"It'll be at least five weeks before they can make sure everything has gone the way they expect it to."

Wilkinson has suffered a catalogue of injuries since kicking the drop-goal that won the World Cup for England in 2003.

He has endured knee, arm, shoulder and kidney problems among a variety of ailments.

And he suffered the dislocated knee in Newcastle's 39-23 Premiership defeat by Gloucester at the end of September.

It was only his fourth game since returning from six months out after shoulder surgery.

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He also faces a race against time to prove his fitness ahead of the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa, which begins on 30 May.

Meanwhile, Bates said he welcomes the news that Falcons chairman Dave Thompson will be staying on in the role at Kingston Park.

Thompson, 63, had previously considered selling the club before decided to maintain control and Bates believes the stability his announcement proposes will be welcome.

"It does lift some uncertainty, I think that's a really important thing," he said.

"You've got to recognise Dave's contribution to rugby in the area and his continued support is a fantastic filip for the club.

"There has been a bit of uncertainty but that has been cleared up and I think we can move forward now."

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