VETERAN prop Tony Windo is struggling to be fit for the start of Worcester's Premier-ship campaign.

The 37-year-old tight-head missed Saturday's 41-19 defeat at Cardiff because of a back injury and will not play in Friday's final pre-season friendly against Calvisano.

Director of rugby John Brain hasn't written off Windo's chances of being ready for the Premiership opener with Bristol but is considering various options in the front row.

"You won't see Tony Windo against Calvisano," he said. "Tony has got a disc bulge and we are monitoring that injury closely.

"He's doing some rehab. We will just keep an eye on that but it's causing us a little bit of concern."

Windo captained Warriors for mush of last season and the loss of his inspirational presence would be big blow to the club, especially after the hammering they took in South Wales.

But Brain insists there is plenty of cover available.

He said: "We've got Chris Horsman coming back. Tevita (Taumoepeau) has got a bit of a calf strain but he should be ok. I thought Lee Fortey scrummaged extremely well on Saturday. Darren Morris had a better game.

"Tony's injury is a concern but we've got adequate cover in that position."

The front-row situation could be the least of Worcester's problems after they conceded seven tries at the Arms Park.

But, despite the nature of the defeat, the Sixways chief is refusing to be downcast.

"There were some positives to come out of it," said Brain. "I thought some individuals did themselves a lot of good.

"Our set-phase, scrum, line-out and re-start was pretty good. I think the major concern for us was the way we defended in the first 40 minutes.

"I would sooner play against good quality opposition in August. We are two weeks off the start of the season and, if that happens against Bristol, it's a major concern.

"It's something that's been flagged up and we've got time to address."

"Some individuals did themselves a lot of good. Some individuals did themselves some harm.

"We were playing against good-quality opposition and Cardiff did pretty well and tackled with a lot of intensity. It's been a useful fact-finding exercise."

Centre Miguel Avramovic came off injured early in the game, while Taumoepeau str-uggled throughout with his calf problem.

"I think we picked up some knocks but hopefully there's nothing serious there and I think we just move forward from here," said Brain.