ENGLAND squad centre Ben Te’o and skipper Gerrit Jan van Velze are set to remain sidelined for Worcester Warriors’ Aviva Premiership showdown against Newcastle Falcons on Sunday (3pm).

Van Velze suffered a head injury in the second half of Warriors’ 35-3 opening-day loss to defending champions Saracens at Twickenham.

Te’o left the pitch at half-time after scoring a try and taking a bang on the head in Worcester’s 23-23 draw against Gloucester in their second match of the campaign.

Last week, Warriors head coach Carl Hogg had hoped Te’o and van Velze would be back for Worcester’s home clash against Sale Sharks.

But former Gloucester coach Hogg conceded today: “They are both returning from concussion and they may be a little while longer.

“Hopefully, Ben will be back in the next week or so and GJ (van Velze) may be a little bit longer but we have got to take care of the players.

“It’s something which will be prevalent in our game going forward and players’ welfare is most important point.

"Concussion is very much in the news and it’s something we are given direction by the medics – and quite rightly so."

Warriors are still seeking their first win of the campaign and lock Tevita Cavubati (broken foot) has added to the club’s injury list.

But fly-half Tom Heathcote has resumed training after a calf problem and will be in contention for a place in Warriors’ squad this weekend.

“Tommy trained very well today and it’s nice to have him back in the mix,” said Hogg.

Hogg added: “We have got a similar team to last weekend.

"We have got one or two people coming back from injuries and we are looking forward to the contest.”