NEIL Lyman admits his season has descended into a "never-ending nightmare".

Worcester Rugby Club's veteran tighthead prop, who has started just four games this season because of a sternum injury, is nowhere near to a potential comeback date.

Six weeks after being told by a specialist that he should rest for up to three months, the 34-year-old is still feeling the injury and is becoming increasingly frustrated.

"It just seems like a never-ending nightmare," he said.

"Just when I think things are improving, I'll do something which aggravates it and it's sore again. It's so annoying but the only thing, according to the specialist, which will cure it is rest.

"Dale Rasmussen has had a similar injury but he says he can get away with it because of where he plays in the centre. For a prop it's a very difficult injury, especially lifting in the line-out.

"I think my body's finally telling me to give up!"

Undecided

Lyman, who is enjoying a successful benefit year at Worcester, has not broached the subject of next season with Warriors coaches John Brain and Andy Keast but admits he is undecided at present about whether to play on.

"I'm not thinking about it at the moment," he said.

"It might be time to hang the boots up at the end of the season but, then again, it would be nice to have another crack at the Premiership after this season. The coaches have been very good about it and just told me to get things right.

"We haven't spoken about next season because I've got to get myself fit. That's the priority."

The former Moseley man, who played in Worcester's first ever Premiership win back in October when the Warriors overcame Harlequins at Sixways, will be an avid spectator in today's clash at Kingsholm.

"Everybody's excited about the game," he said. "I think the boys feel that this is a good time to play Gloucester because they didn't look that good against Bristol in the cup last weekend.

"That's when I miss the involvement, on match days. You do get a bit jealous on Saturday when the boys run out and you're sat on the sidelines.

"It's frustrating because it's taken so long to get back into the Premiership and then I get this injury. I've just got to battle on though!"