FIT-again Ryan Mills is likely to be in contention for a starting jersey when Worcester Warriors return to Aviva Premiership action next week.

But there remains doubts over Francois Hougaard’s fitness ahead of their clash at Harlequins a week on Saturday after the club confirmed the injured number nine (adductor) was not due back for two more weeks.

Mills has had a frustrating start to the season with hip and shoulder problems ruling him out of Warriors’ first three games before suffering a blow to his quad in the 24-19 defeat at Gloucester last month.

But the versatile back, who was key to Warriors’ fight for survival last season, has returned to full training.

Head coach Carl Hogg admitted Mills would not be ready to face Connacht at the Sportsground in the European Challenge Cup on Saturday (3pm).

But the 25-year-old will be determined to secure a spot in Warriors’ side to tackle Quins at The Stoop.

Wing Bryce Heem, who has also been struggling with a quad issue in recent weeks, and tighthead prop Simon Kerrod have also been involved in training this week.

Ex-Jersey Reds star Kerrod has yet to make his Premiership debut for Warriors after damaging his adductor in pre-season.

“We had a very lively 15 vs 15 defence session on Tuesday,” Hogg said.

“Ryan is training so we have now got a level of completion on both sides and it was pretty sparky.

“It was as lively as I have seen training for a little while which is fantastic as you want people competing hard for places.

“We have also got the likes of Kerrod back in training this week which is an added bonus.

“Gareth Milasinovich is playing very well and Biyi Alo has been doing a great job for us.

“But the more competition we can create the healthier the squad becomes.”

There will also be hopes among fans that Hougaard would be back for the match against Quins as Warriors look to record their first league win.

The talismanic scrum-half arrived at Sixways carrying the injury following his release from South Africa last month.

But the 29-year-old faces a race against time to be fit to face John Kingston’s men.