FIVE Worcester Warriors players are set to be assessed for this Saturday's derby against Gloucester Rugby.

Two of those included are the British and Irish Lions duo of Duhan van der Merwe and Rory Sutherland - who are yet to make their debuts for Worcester.

The Scottish pair have been on an extended summer break after their involvement with the Lions out in South Africa. The English-based Lions are out of contention until week 5 of the Gallagher Premiership but there have been no restrictions on Scottish players.

"We have about five players that we are going to make a call on Thursday," he said.

"Duhan and Rory are both in that category, as is Chris Ashton, Andrew Kitchener and Sione Vailanu.

"We are hoping two to three of them come through but at this stage which two or three. We want to see how they recover from training today and then make a decision.

"They all came in today and brought loads of energy so we are in a good place ahead of Gloucester."

Ashton has been struggling with minor injuries during pre-season but is back training, as well as the other four mentioned, so could be in line to return to action whilst second-row Kitchener is recovering well from a foot issue.

Vailanu picked up an injury during the win over Connacht in the summer and has been out since but all being well, he could make his first competitive appearance.

There was also a positive update on the health of Ollie Lawrence, who yesterday pulled out of England training camp due to illness.

Thomas said the centre is already feeling better and was back in training with Worcester on Tuesday and he is expected to be fully fit for the visit of Gloucester this weekend.