DEAN Ryan has bemoaned the small squad he has at his disposal as the Sixways injury list continues to grow.

Centre Andy Symons, who was brought in earlier this season and looked impressive, will now sit out for the foreseeable future after breaking his collarbone against Saracens.

The former Leicester Tigers youngster joins fellow centre Josh Matavesi (hand) on the sidelines and, with Jon Clarke having been sent to Leeds Carnegie on loan, Worcester are short on numbers in midfield.

Having missed the Saracens game, skipper Jonathan Thomas will also sit out Saturday’s Aviva Premiership trip to London Irish (3pm) with concussion.

Ryan said: “We’ve got a small squad. When you have that, you go to the same people too often compared to everyone else and physically that’s difficult to do.

“That game against Saracens was as physical as I can remember being involved in for a long time and, when you front up against that physicality, people are going to get hurt.

“The club created the situation where we have a smaller squad than everybody else and we’ve been too dependent on a small group.

“Now we’re trying to move past it and give people confidence. If you’re in the squad then at some point this season you’re going to have to contribute which means you’ve got to work at the same level as everybody else.

“Look how James Stephenson and Dean Hammond have responded, while Josh Drauniniu had one of his best games at the weekend so people do respond when given that opportunity.”

Prop Euan Murray and hooker Gus Creevy (both knee) and scrum-half Jonny Arr (hamstring) are also out injured.