WORCESTER Warriors captain Jonathan Thomas will miss Saturday's crucial Aviva Premiership home clash with Sale Sharks.

The influential forward was banned for one week by a RFU tribunal for striking an opponent, which led to his sending off at Northampton Saints on Saturday.

A statement from bottom-of-the-table Warriors, who desperately need a first league win of the season this weekend, said: "The club is waiting for a written judgement while they consider their next steps."