THERE is still no return date for injured Worcester Warriors skipper Gerrit-Jan van Velze.

Van Velze has suffered a series of concussions over the last year and has not played since taking a bang on the head three months ago.

The South African suffered a head injury in Warriors’ opening game of their Aviva Premiership season against Saracens and was replaced in the 70th minute.

The captain, who has nine tries in 42 appearances for Worcester, was given an extended break from normal player duties to allow him to fully recover.

“It’s a break that is determined by the doctors and I can’t put a timeframe on that,” said backs coach Sam Vesty yesterday.

“I think there are cases of concussion throughout rugby and there will be more cases of people being out for longer periods.”

But there is more positive news for back-row Marco Mama, who pulled his hamstring in the first half of Worcester’s 37-22 defeat at Bath on September 17.

The powerful former Bristol flanker will be returning to training shortly.

“Marco is with the physios and he is gradually back in training in the next couple of weeks,” said Vesty.

“I don’t know when that means he will be playing.

“He’s had a bright few games for us this season and we are looking forward to getting him back out there.”