CENTRE Wynand Olivier looks set to return as a “desperate” Worcester Warriors side bid to pick up precious points from their trip to Bath on Saturday (3pm).

The South Africa international has been a key figure for Warriors over the past two seasons, scoring 10 tries in 39 Aviva Premiership appearances.

However, he was forced to sit out the opening month of the campaign after sustaining a hamstring injury in the warm-up ahead of Warriors’ curtain-raiser at Newcastle Falcons.

The 34-year-old has been in training this week and could force director of rugby Gary Gold to break up the midfield partnership of Ben Te’o and Jackson Willison to accommodate the experienced Springbok.

“We did not pick up any major injuries last weekend, so that’s great news,” Gold said.

“Pretty much the same team will be available to play this weekend.

“Wynand trained properly (this week) and will be available for selection, definitely.”

Flanker Sam Lewis could also come back into the fold after missing Warriors’ 25-3 defeat to European champions Saracens at Sixways last Friday with a neck problem.

Wing Bryce Heem remains sidelined with a quad injury, meaning Perry Humphreys and Josh Adams are likely to keep their places on the flanks.

Warriors have been boosted by the arrival of fly-half Jono Lance on a short-term loan deal before he links up with Melbourne Rebels at the start of 2018.

The 27-year-old Australian is expected to replace Jamie Shillcock in the number 10 shirt for the clash at The Rec.

Worcester sit at the foot of the table having secured just one point from their opening five games.

And with one more league match to play before they turn their attentions to the European Challenge Cup, Gold has stressed the importance of returning home with at least a point from Bath.

“We need to get something out of the game,” Gold added.

“If it is a point or two it is critically important for us.

“The season has still got a long way to go and I have to stress again there are no panic buttons being hit.

“But we are in a position now where we don’t want to start falling too far behind the rest of the pack because even if you do turn a corner it might be too late.

“That’s what happened when I was at Newcastle. They were nine points adrift when I arrived there. We won three or four games, but it wasn’t enough.

“That is the danger, so I don’t think we should shy away from that.

“I think we should be bold and admit that we are desperate.”