THE return of Worcester Warriors skipper Gerrit-Jan van Velze and England squad centre Ben Te’o is “in the hands of the medics”, according to head coach Carl Hogg.

Warriors had hoped to get the pair back for Saturday’s 34-34 home draw against Sale Sharks but they were still suffering the effects of concussion.

Van Velze was injured in Warriors’ opening-day 35-3 loss to reigning champions Saracens at Twickenham.

Te’o was replaced at half-time after taking a bang on the head in their second match of the season against Gloucester, which ended 23-23 at Sixways.

Warriors fly-half Tom Heathcote also missed the Sharks battle after hurting his calf muscle in their 37-22 defeat against his former club Bath at the Recreation Ground.

“Tom picked up an injury at Bath with his calf, so he was unavailable,” explained Hogg.

“Hopefully, we can get Tommy available for the next match.”

Speaking about the injury situation involving van Velze and Te’o, Hogg said: “Unfortunately, both failed concussion protocols late on so we had to readjust.

“We have to be very careful and look after the welfare of players, especially around concussion.

“We will hopefully get them available (for next weekend) but it’s in the hands of the medics.”

England full-back Chris Pennell has missed the start of the season with a troublesome neck problem which he picked up last term.

But the Worcester-born star is being primed for a return to first-team action in Warriors’ early European Challenge Cup matches next month.

Pennell was on the pitch with the rest of Warriors’ squad before last Saturday’s game although he did not take part in any of the training drills.

Centre Ryan Mills, who has not yet played this term due to a groin problem, is also expected to feature in Worcester’s early pool fixtures in the European competition.

Warriors begin their European pool three campaign against Russian side Enisei-STM in Moscow on October 15.

Warriors, who finished bottom of their European group last season, then host French outfit Brive in their second match seven days later at Sixways (3pm).