13/8/03 - Sixways hit by Ezulike setback

The Sixways winger, who only recently returned to fitness after summer knee surgery to correct ligament damage, has had a clear-out operation on his other knee to cure a cartilage problem.

The former London Irish flyer will now be out of action for up to six weeks, which looks likely to rule him out of Worcester's promotion shootout with Orrell at Sixways on September 13.

"It's a blow for him and us," said Sixways coach Andy Keast. "Nnamdi had just started training again so it is disappointing for him because he was looking forward to starting the season.

"We are lucky, however, to be able to call on someone with the quality of Daren O'Leary because he looks very hungry for action.

"It would have been nice to be able to pick from a full squad on the opening day of the season but it's not too serious so we hope to have Nnamdi back for the middle of September."

Ezulike has been struggling with this knee injury since the tail end of last season where he limped through several matches with heavy strapping. He then injured ligaments to his other knee in the April showdown with Rotherham and subsequently had surgery to cure that problem.

However, the initial knee injury hasn't gone away and Ezulike went under the knife again this week to clear out the cartilage problem.

"The operation went well and there is limited swelling so we are hopeful he can begin his rehabilitation very soon," added Keast.

Meanwhile, Ben Hinshelwood will make his long-awaited comeback on Saturday as Worcester take on Stourbridge in their opening pre-season test (3pm).

The international centre has been given the green light to play in the Sixways friendly from Scotland coach Ian McGeechan after a call from Keast.

It will be Hinshelwood's first match since breaking his leg at Sixways and injuring ankle ligaments back in January.

Gavin Pfister, Mark Gabey and Werner Swanepoel, however, will not feature as they are still recovering from injuries.