THERE is a “possibility” versatile back Ryan Mills and scrum-half Francois Hougaard could be back for Worcester Warriors’ next Aviva Premiership clash.

The potential half-back pairing have been in training at Warriors with Hougaard who has yet to feature for the club this season doing “little bits” in sessions.

And backs coach Sam Vesty admitted they were both “champing at the bit” to get on the field as they bid to face Northampton Saints at Sixways on Saturday, November 18.

“They are both a couple of weeks away,” Vesty who is preparing his side for their Anglo-Welsh Cup clash at Harlequins on Sunday (3pm).

“They are looking well, training and are on plan.

“Francois is doing little bits with us and is looking like he always does as he is sharp, hungry and up for it.

“When you are injured you just want to get back out there, running around with the lads and they are both champing at the bit.

“You don’t want to take that away, but you have got to be careful with how much they do as you don’t want to bring them back too soon.”

Asked whether Mills and Hougaard could be fit to take on Saints, Vesty replied: “They are possibilities.”

Mills has played just once in an injury-hit campaign, picking up a blow to his quad in Warriors’ 24-19 loss to Gloucester in late September.

Warriors have also been forced to bide their time while Hougaard battles to overcome a groin complaint.

The influential number nine was carrying the injury when he returned from international duty with South Africa in mid-September.