HARDMAN Richard Bates is nearing a return to Worcester first team action according to John Brain.
The flanker -- dubbed nutter by his former London Irish team-mates -- has been recovering from a January shoulder operation.
However, the 30-year-old is closing in on a playing return and could be a shock inclusion for Worcester's squad bound for Otley on Saturday.
"He's coming along very, very well," said Brain. "He has progressed and could yet come into our thinking for the weekend."
Brain will monitor a number of players this week after Craig Chalmers, Tony Windo and Duncan Roke all picked up injuries in Saturday's 35-10 win over Orrell.
Chalmers tweaked his hamstring in the first half while Windo (hip) and Roke (back) both had to be replaced in the second period.
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