INJURIES and illness are hampering Worcester Rugby Club in the build-up to the biggest game of the season so far against Leeds on Saturday.

Winger Rob Myler will be out for at least three weeks after damaging knee ligaments against London Irish on Monday while stand-off Tony Yapp has been ill in bed all week.

Yapp also needed two stitches for a cut to his mouth suffered during the first half of the 12-8 Tetley's Bitter Cup defeat but it is his illness which causes most concern.

Mat Walker will replace Myler on the flank but the selectors will have to choose between Ben Harvey and David Pears if Yapp does not recover in time for the Sixways showdown.

Flankers Nathan Carter and James Cockle missed training on Tuesday with ankle and foot problems but both were able to work in the weights room yesterday.

Cockle also suffered concussion during the London Irish game but should be fit for Saturday's crucial Premiership Two clash.

On the plus side, hooker Marco Caputo has shaken off an ankle injury which ruled him out of the cup match while versatile centre Duncan Hughes is available for the first time since injuring his groin against Leicester's second team last month.