WORCESTER Warriors have been boosted by the return of back rowers Marco Mama and Carl Kirwan to training as they look to fill the void left by the injured Cornell du Preez.

The Sixways side were dealt a huge blow last Saturday when du Preez suffered a worrying throat injury on his competitive debut against Wasps.

The summer signing is currently in hospital awaiting further surgery on his fractured larynx, also known as the voice box.

But director of rugby Alan Solomons insisted he had plenty of players who were able to step into the Scotland international’s shoes.

Mama missed Warriors’ 21-20 defeat to Wasps at the weekend with a groin issue but Solomons said he was “looking good” in his bid to play in Sunday’s visit to Sale Sharks (3pm).

Solomons also highlighted the fact Matt Cox, Ted Hill and Zac Xiourouppa all played in Worcester Cavaliers’ 31-26 loss to Newcastle Falcons in the Premiership Rugby Shield on Monday and gave positive news on Kirwan’s battle to return to action.

“We have got good strength in depth at loose forward and people will get opportunities as a result of (Cornell’s injury),” Solomons said.

“They must step up and take those chances.

“There is Ted and Coxy who played really well (on Monday) and Carl and Marco who are about to come back so there are loose forwards out there.

“Marco is looking good and has been taking part in practice.”

Kirwan has been blighted by shoulder injuries in the past two seasons as he did not feature for the first-team last term.

“Carl has taken a full part in training,” Solomons said.

“I think he is getting right back at it.

“He is a lad that has been unfortunate with injuries and been out for a while.

“It was also great to see Zac getting a game on Monday night.”

When asked to give an update on flanker Dewald Potigeter (knee) who also missed the entire 2017-18 campaign due to injury, Solomons added: “To my knowledge he is still rehabbing in South Africa.”

Meanwhile, Solomons looks set to stick with the front row of Callum Black, Niall Annett and Nick Schonert that started against Wasps.

Doubts remain over the fitness of hooker Jack Singleton (neck) while prop Ethan Waller is continuing his rehab from shoulder surgery.

Lock Anton Bresler is battling to overcome a groin injury which forced him to pull out of the warm-up ahead of Warriors’ clash with Wasps.

But Solomons was pleased with the performances of Andrew Kitchener who took Bresler’s place in the starting line-up and second-half substitute Pierce Phillips.

He was also delighted to see wing Bryce Heem back on the field as he played 64 minutes on his return from injury before being replaced by Jonny Arr.

“I thought he was absolutely outstanding considering he had not played any rugby,” Solomons added.

“I thought he justified his selection.

“He had a little bit of cramp but he always does early in the season.”