WORCESTER Warriors have been handed a huge lift after it became clear that Tommy Hayes will be out for weeks rather than months.

The fly-half, who was injured during Worcester's Premiership defeat to Bath on Saturday, has not suffered an anterior cruciate ligament and won't be facing an operation.

Hayes' injury was initially flagged up by the Sixways medical staff as a possible ACL problem but, after a scan only revealed cartilage and ligament damage, the former Cook Islands international could be up and running in quick time.

"It's very good news," said Worcester's director of rugby John Brain. "Our worst fears have proved to be unfounded. The knee is still quite unstable and he has a lot of stiffness there but, as regards time scale, we think we are talking weeks out rather than months.

"Tommy is a very positive person and he was quite sure all along that he hadn't damaged his ACL. The initial worry from the medical staff was that it was but we're delighted that we're not losing him for a long time.

"He's a key player for us so, although we are still unsure about how long he'll be out, we're happy that it's not as serious as we first thought."

Meanwhile, Craig Gillies is the top line-out man in the Premiership according to the Opta Index.

Worcester's giant lock has won 25 line-outs so far this season, forging a potent partnership with new signing Tim Collier.

Despite the 26-22 defeat to Bath, Worcester's line-out competed well with Steve Borthwick and Danny Grewcock and, with Mark Gabey's imminent return to fitness, the signs look encouraging in that area for the Premiership new boys.