CENTRE Ryan Mills could make his comeback from injury in Worcester Warriors’ European Challenge Cup matches next month.

The 24-year-old has been sidelined with a troublesome groin problem after making 21 appearances in the Aviva Premiership last term.

Mills and experienced full-back Chris Pennell (neck) are being lined up with a return to first-team duty in the opening European matches.

Pennell, 29, made 23 appearance last season, scoring two tries and has played 165 times for the club so far.

Warriors begin their European Challenge Cup pool three campaign against Russian side Enisei-STM in Moscow on October 15.

Warriors, who finished bottom of their European group last season, then host French outfit Brive in their second match seven days at Sixways (3pm).

Head coach Carl Hogg said: “Unfortunately for Ryan (Mills) he will still be two or three weeks away from returning to play so hopefully we will be getting him back for the European block.

“He’s got an issue with his groin which he picked up in pre-season and there’s been some complications so it has been more problematic than we first envisaged.”

In his maiden campaign at Sixways, Mills played at both 10 and 12 making 20 appearances, proving a valuable cog in Warriors wheel as they regained their Premiership status.

And the former Gloucester player continued his rise to prominence in the last campaign, becoming Warriors' first choice inside centre.

The summer arrival of England squad centre Ben Te’o, from Irish outfit Leinster, has provided stiff competition for Mills.

Mills and Pennell are among a list of sidelined Warriors who have not featured so far this term for Worcester.

The injury list also includes wing Bryce Heem (knee), lock Will Spencer (back) and utility back Ben Howard (ankle operation).