MELANI Nanai is expected to return to action this weekend when Worcester Warriors host Wasps at Sixways (3pm kick-off).

The former Super Rugby full-back has been out since the defeat against Gloucester back in week three of the season with an Achilles injury.

But the star man is set to make a welcomed return to the side and it will come as a welcomed boost for the team after a number of injuries were picked up in the 24-24 draw up at Newcastle last Saturday.

Duhan van der Merwe was pulled out before kick-off with what was described as a 'sore neck'.

During the game, the likes of Jamie Shillcock (groin), Gareth Simpson (ribs), Alex Hearle (leg) and Marc Thomas (foot) all sustained knocks.

Worcester head coach Jonathan Thomas said Winger Duhan was more of a precautionary one and he is in line to start this weekend, whilst late calls will be made on Shillcock and Simpson.

Winger Hearle suffered a dead leg and is unlikely to feature and prop Thomas is ruled out for between two to three weeks.

Ollie Lawrence and Rory Sutherland have been out since before the Premiership win vs Sale with injury problems but both are in contention for Saturday.

Scrum-half Willi Heinz remains out with a groin injury and winger Chris Ashton continues to be 'unavailable for selection'.

Owen Williams has been given a timeframe of the end of January for his return after surgery.