MELANI Nanai is expected to be rested as Worcester Warriors look to inject “fresh” legs for Friday night’s home clash with Exeter Chiefs (7.45pm).

The wing has yet to play at Sixways since his arrival from New Zealand — and that wait looks set to go on with boss Alan Solomons poised to ring the changes again in the Premiership Cup.

Solomons was pleased with Nanai’s first run-out in Worcester colours as he started in last Saturday’s 36-28 defeat at Bath.

Only a brilliant tackle denied the summer signing a length-of-the-field score before the 26-year-old left the pitch late on for a head injury assessment.

Solomons said Nanai was “absolutely fine” but stressed a shorter turnaround between matches impacted on his selection for the Exeter match.

“He did well,” said Solomons on Nanai’s debut.

“I thought he was a little bit tired not getting home in the right-hand corner but we scored a minute later so it didn’t make a material difference.

“For a first time out playing in a new club with new players it was really good.”

On Nanai’s selection, Solomons said: “Melani is absolutely fine but what we have to do is take cognisance of the fact that there is a six-day turnaround.

“It doesn’t mean everybody (that played last weekend won’t play) but the large majority of players (won’t).”

With most of the side that lost at Bath likely to watch on from the stands, Solomons looks set to turn to the team that put eight tries past Leicester Tigers in a 57-23 victory.

This means the likes of centre Ashley Beck, prop Conor Carey and full-back Scott van Breda could get another chance to press their case.

Warriors currently sit top of Pool C, one point above Exeter, Bath and Leicester.

“We are looking to play fresh players,” Solomons said.

“Then we have an eight-day turnaround into the next game (at Wasps) so we have to look at it from that perspective.

“It gives everybody an opportunity.

“As I have said time and time again these four cup games are preparation for the Gallagher Premiership.”

Wing Dean Hammond is scheduled to return after recovering from a blow to the head sustained against Tigers.

Flanker Matti Williams is set for his first outing of the season after overcoming a groin issue.

But scrum-half Jono Kitto (abductor), centre Francois Venter (calf), back rower Matt Cox (ill), lock Anton Bresler (ankle) and hooker Matt Moulds (knee), who have also not featured this term, remain sidelined.

“Matt is now on the mend but is not 100 per cent,” Solomons added.

“Matti is fine but we won’t risk Anton this week.”