WING Bryce Heem is being put through his paces in preparation for Worcester Warriors’ next block of Aviva Premiership games.

The New Zealander has returned to training this week after spending time in his home country to recharge his batteries.

But the 29-year-old will not feature against Dragons in the Anglo-Welsh Cup on Friday (7.30pm) as Warriors look set to field a younger side at Rodney Parade.

Backs coach Sam Vesty insisted there was “nothing wrong” with Heem who last played for Worcester in their 46-25 league loss to Bath in early January.

But he said he was keen to make sure the explosive back was fit and firing ahead of Warriors’ encounter at Exeter Chiefs a week on Saturday.

Worcester will then host local rivals Gloucester on Saturday, February 17 before visiting bottom club London Irish on Sunday, February 25.

“Bryce is back in training but we will not be seeing him this weekend,” Vesty said.

“He is getting some training into his legs before he plays again.

“It has always been the plan with Bryce and we have been quite fortunate that we have come away injury-free from the last few games so we have been able to stick to that.

“He has been away on the other side of the world for a bit of time so it’s sensible to give him enough time on the training field before going into a game.

“There is nothing wrong with him, it’s just a decision we made long-term.”

Warriors selected a team packed full of experience last Saturday as they overcame an understrength Exeter Chiefs side 31-21 at Sixways.

The victory has given Worcester a chance of progressing to the semi-final as they sit in second place in Pool Three, three points behind leaders Northampton Saints.

But with the club’s main focus on retaining their top-flight status this season Vesty is expected to rest many of their key men.

Lock Anton Bresler looks poised to make his first start for the club since joining from Edinburgh in late December while back rower Andrew Durutalo, scrum-half Luke Baldwin and fly-half Sam Olver are likely to be given starting jerseys.

There could also be opportunities for the club’s academy aces, including centre Ollie Lawrence, wing Alex Hearle and back rower Ted Hill, to stake their claim.

Vesty admitted there would be “a lot of changes” to the team but has backed his players to push Welsh side Dragons.

“It will be a younger squad but certain players need to play some rugby and this game would be a great opportunity for them to do that,” Vesty added.

“All these things have to be taken into consideration.

“There will be a few players who will play in both games but there will be a lot of changes as well.

“I have every faith that the group taking the field will give everything they have got and can produce a good performance.”