WORCESTER Rugby Club are already struggling with injuries just one week into the season.

The Sixways club, who suffered a terrible time last year with a catalogue of injuries, will be without Dan Zaltzman, Drew Hickey and David Officer for Saturday's home clash with Orrell.

Lock Zaltzman is ruled out for at least three weeks with a rib cartilage problem while centre Officer has a small tear in his hamstring.

Former Orrell man Hickey has still not recovered from a shoulder injury and will not be risked in the National One match.

Flanker Dean Thomas, though, is back in contention while centre Gary Trueman should be involved after dropping out of Worcester's trip to Otley last weekend. Nnamdi Ezulike is still some way off a first team return.

Meanwhile, National One title rivals Bristol may be seriously weakened if Bath decide to recall their fly half Chris Malone. The Australian, who has only played one game into that loan, may be brought back to Bath following Mike Catt's World Cup call-up.