TOMMY Hayes could be facing six months on the sidelines after suffering a suspected cruciate ligament injury.

Worcester Rugby Club's prolific fly-half crashed to the ground in agony during the Warriors' 26-22 defeat to Bath at Sixways on Saturday and early indications point towards a serious injury.

The former Cook Islands international will undergo a scan today when Worcester will find out the full extent of the injury.

"The early indications aren't good," said Worcester's director of rugby John Brain. "We initially thought he had done his anterior cruciate ligament but we will only know after today's scan.

"If he is out for an extended period, then we will obviously have to look at bringing somebody in but we are looking for the right player, not just anybody."

Brain has endured an injury-riddled start to the season with all three of his tight-head props -- Chris Horsman, Neil Lyman, Colin Noon -- unavailable for Saturday's game.

Wing Jon Hylton was ruled out for six months after rupturing his cruciate and now Brain faces the prospect of being without his main goal-kicker for much of the season, if Hayes has damaged his ACL.

"We've had back luck," said Brain. "We had bad luck with Chris Horsman who broke his hand, we've had bad luck with Jon Hylton and now it looks as if we may have bad luck with Tommy.

"With the props and fly half/goal-kicker, they are key positions so it makes it all the more frustrating."

Horsman will, however, see a specialist today along with Lyman to see if he can have the wire removed from his hand.

Lyman will get an update on his sternum injury but both could be in the mix for Friday night's clash at Sale along with Noon who is also expected to be fit.

Despite all the injury headaches and Worcester suffering their third consecutive Premiership defeat, Brain was staying positive about the season.

"We have shown we can compete in the Premiership and we will win games," he added.

"We always thought that with 13 new signings we would probably be better towards the end of the season than at the start."