SKIPPER Gerrit-Jan van Velze could be a surprise inclusion in Worcester Warriors’ squad for Sunday’s Aviva Premiership clash against high-flying Harlequins at Sixways (3pm).

The South African number eight has not featured since having an operation to clear up a knee problem after Warriors’ defeat to Saracens at the end of November.

The former Northampton Saints backrow was on the pitch before Worcester’s 21-14 defeat against Bath at the Recreation Ground last Sunday.

“This is probably the week we are trying to get him (GJ) back on to the field and we will see how that goes,” said Warriors director of rugby Dean Ryan.

“It will probably be tight for this weekend but he should be up and running by the tail-end of this week.”

Second row Darren Barry left the field against Bath with an arm injury nd fly-half Tom Heathcote hurt an ankle in the closing minutes.

But Ryan said he was “optimistic” both players will be available for the Quins’ clash.

“Tommy rolled his ankle in the last five to 10 minutes and Darren had a knock which switched off some of the nerves in his arm but both are looking positive and we’re optimistic they should be OK,” said Ryan.

“Darren has got some sort of inflammation in his shoulder which made it progressively harder for him to work the nerves in his arm but the feeling returned quite quickly.

“For it to have happened so early in the game at Bath was quite disruptive for us but we are optimistic he will make the weekend.

“We might make a couple of changes in the areas that are competitive – second row and back row – and it will be horses for courses a little bit. Otherwise, we will probably see roughly the same squad.”

Harlequins are fourth in the Premiership and have won their last 14 league encounters against Warriors since Worcester's 15-9 victory at the Twickenham Stoop in February 2005.

Harlequins lost on their first ever visit to Sixways in October 2004 but have won all nine subsequent trips to the venue.

Warriors have lost their last six first-team matches since beating La Rochelle 19-3 at Sixways on November 14.

Harlequins have lost just one of their last nine fixtures – 26-25 to Exeter at Sandy Park in round five of the Premiership.

Quins have a star-studded squad, including England stars Chris Robshaw, Danny Care and Mike Brown and Wales centre Jamie Roberts.

Ryan said: “In terms of rugby challenges what they (Harlequins) do is right at the top end.

“They are an outstanding rugby side and they showed last weekend (in their 39-39 draw against Gloucester) their ability to score from anywhere but also their ability to cough things up.

“I remember when we played them two years ago everything stuck for them and they are impossible to get under control when it’s like that.

“Their attack is probably one of the fastest in the Premiership with their ability to raise the tempo of games.

“We recognise it’s a unique challenge coming at us defensively to be able to cope with their speed and it’s something we have challenged the group with.”

Ryan added: “We are pretty happy with where we are structurally defensively but I think speed of thought will be challenged this weekend because the likes of Care and Nick Evans play the game at a level of tempo and a level of freedom which can catch you by surprise if you assume anything.

“We are at home and we’d like to think we can put a few things together which will cause them problems.”