Danny Cipriani today spoke of his sympathy for rival England No10 Jonny Wilkinson over his latest injury despair.

The 20-year-old fly-half returned to action for Wasps last night having won his own five-month fitness battle and is now set to start England's Autumn internationals following Wilkinson's dislocated knee.

Cipriani said: "I wasn't thinking about what had happened to Jonny during the game although, obviously, I am very disappointed for him.

"You wouldn't wish an injury on any player and my heart goes out to him."

Wilkinson will have another scan today amid concern that he may have also suffered muscle damage on Tuesday night.

A leading sports injury expert said today: "You could be talking about four months' recovery time, if surgery is needed."

Bath won last night's clash with Wasps 27-23 to go top of the Premiership.

Cipriani kicked 11 points — he had another penalty ruled out by the referee — and created a try for Riki Flutey during a 52-minute performance that confirmed his recovery from a serious ankle injury suffered against last night's opponents, Bath, in May.