WERNER Swanepoel is an early doubt for Worcester Rugby Club's clash at Birmingham & Solihull.

The Sixways skipper fractured a finger in the weekend win over Rugby Lions and the management duo of John Brain and Andy Keast will monitor him closely this week. He is unlikely to train much but could play a part at Sharmans Cross Road in Worcester's final National One game of 2002 on Saturday.

Gary Trueman is also doubtful after having to be replaced during the 67-3 Rugby victory. The centre injured his shoulder in the first half and is facing a race against time to be fit. Better news for Brain and Keast will be the return of openside flanker Gavin Pfister to the Sixways fold after a stay in South Africa to get married.

Pfister broke his nose in his last Worcester action against Wakefield but he will be available for selection after having it re-set. Christian Evans is definitely out, however. The back row star needs more time to recover from his collarbone injury.

"A think a more realistic target for Christian is our match with Coventry on January 4," said Brain.