DEPLETED Worcester Warriors are battling against a flu-like virus in the camp ahead of their Guinness Premiership clash with Bristol at Sixways on Saturday.

Already dealing with a whole host of injuries, director of rugby Mike Ruddock had to send two players home from training yesterday, while two more missed the session because of the bug.

Former New Zealand wing Rico Gear, who limped out of Saturday’s 27-6 European Challenge Cup victory over Bourgoin with a groin injury, was unable to be assessed because of the virus, while compatriot Sam Tuitupou also stayed at home.

Skipper Pat Sanderson was sent home from training with the bug as was young fly-half Joe Carlisle.

“It’s the time of year,” the former Wales Grand Slam-winning coach said. “All the lads have had the flu-jab so these are just heavy colds.

“We are hopeful that they will have all recovered for Saturday.”

The news that Gear was confined to his bed yesterday will not have helped the All Black legend’s bid in ensuring that he would be fit for the game with the Premiership’s basement boys.

The former Canterbury star has had his campaign blighted by niggling injuries and, with the medical staff unable to check the extent of the problem, Ruddock fears that he could be without yet another of his back division stars.

“On the evidence of the injury report of Saturday I would have to say Rico is about 50-50 for the weekend,” Ruddock said.

“Hopefully he’ll be in today so that we can have a look at him and then we should know a lot more.”

The game against Richard Hill’s strugglers, Warriors’ last game before Christmas, could go a long way to all but securing Worcester’s top-flight status.

Bristol are currently three points adrift of Newcastle Falcons at the foot of the table and victory for the Sixways outfit on Saturday would put them at least nine points clear of the West Country side.

“It’s a big match for us as we want to try and stay in touch with the teams in the top half of the table,” added Ruddock.

“There is a lot at stake for both sides, so victory is massively important for us.”