Wilkinson could miss out on Toulon's opening league game of the season © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Jonny Wilkinson

Teams: England | Toulon

Jonny Wilkinson's return to the England squad will not be hindered by the fact that the opening game of Toulon's season is at the same time as he is scheduled to link-up with England for a pre-season training camp.

The former Newcastle star joined the French club on a two-year deal in May and on Tuesday was announced in Martin Johnson's 32-man elite player squad (EPS) for the forthcoming season.

England are holding a training camp from August 9-14 ahead of the November internationals against Australia, Argentina and New Zealand while Toulon's first fixture of the Top 14 season is on the weekend of the 14/15/16 August.

The club president, Mourad Boudjellal, accepted that Wilkinson might not be available for the season opener and that it was something that was agreed upon when the World Cup-winner signed.

"We have signed a convention with the English federation," Boudjellal told L'Equipe.

"We will not oppose his presence in this training session, nor at any other. When we signed him, we knew that it could happen."

Wilkinson hasn't played a match since he dislocated his knee while on duty for Newcastle in October but has recovered and taken part in Toulon's pre-season training.

Boudjellal remains hopeful though that England might just elect for Wilkinson to receive some valuable game-time instead and that he could still be available for their season opener.

"He needs to play, he knows that, and it is possible that he negotiates his presence with us," Boudjellal hopefully added.

"But once again, in principle, we will not oppose his departure (for England's training squad)."

Toulon play against Brive in a pre-season friendly at the end of this month and if Wilkinson is involved he is likely to come up against Andy Goode, who Johnson has opted to omit from his EPS.