WORCESTER Warriors will be without a host of influential players for their Aviva Premiership curtain-raiser against Saracens at Twickenham on Saturday (2pm).

Full-backs Chris Pennell (neck) and Ben Howard (ankle), flanker Carl Kirwan (concussion), wing Bryce Heem (knee), centre Ryan Mills and lock Will Spencer (back) are all set to be ruled out with injuries.

And experienced scrum-half Francois Hougaard has been called up by South Africa’s Test squad for two matches in the Rugby Championship.

The powerful Heem hurt his knee and will be missing for “two or three weeks”, according to head coach Carl Hogg.

Heem, who scored seven tries in 18 appearances last term, was on crutches at last month’s annual media day at Sixways.

Warriors initially hoped his knee problem would settle down within 10 days.

But Hogg said: “It’s going to pan out to be a little bit longer so it’s probably going to be two or three weeks now with Bryce.

“It’s disappointing, particularly for Bryce because he worked so hard for 12 weeks in pre-season and everybody wants to start that first Saturday in the league at Twickenham on the big stage.

“Unfortunately, he will have to be patient and we will get him back in the fullness of time.

Saracens, the reigning Premiership and European champions, have won their last six matches against Warriors, including a 48-18 victory in last season’s London Double Header at Twickenham.

Hogg admits he’s well aware of the stiff task facing his depleted side and insists Warriors must enjoy the occasion and get their game on to the field.

“We’ve taken one or two dinks through pre-season and that’s part and parcel of life but that’s not something we want to dwell on and we have got people going out who are desperate to play," said Hogg.

With Pennell and Howard both injured, versatile back Jackson Willison could be handed the full-back jersey after starting the friendly against Munster last Friday.

Biggs “will be available in the next couple of weeks” so Andy Short might get a run-out on the wing.

Jonny Arr looks is likely to get the nod at scrum-half, while England hopeful Ben Te’o could form a midfield partnership with South African Wynand Olivier.

Hogg explained: “Jackson (Willison) is a natural footballer who has time on the ball and a great left foot so we have had a look at him at full-back and it’s something we will look to use in the future as well.

“Ben (Howard) got a roll on his ankle against Jersey that he hasn’t quite recovered from and his time will come."

Spencer, who has arrived from Bath, picked up a back injury during Warriors’ intensive training camp in Tignes, France.

Hogg added: “Carl (Kirwan) took a significant knock unfortunately (at Munster).

“He is going through the graded return through concussion protocol so he won’t able available for this weekend but I am hoping it won’t be too long.

“We would have liked Carl available because he was very lively and competitive in the games he was involved in but injuries are part and parcel of the game.”