WORCESTER Warriors could dip into the transfer market for a fly-half in the wake of Jono Lance’s injury blow.

Director of rugby Alan Solomons said he would hold talks with Warriors’ new owners as he looks at the possibility of filling the void left by Lance.

Australian playmaker Lance faces up to four months on the sidelines after being diagnosed with a “partial stress fracture to his back”.

With Lance injured, Jamie Shillcock is set to be Duncan Weir’s main competition for the number 10 shirt while utility back Scott van Breda and centre Ryan Mills can cover that position.

But Solomons did not rule out adding another stand-off to the mix.

“We have got to consider our position before we make a decision,” Solomons said.

“We have got to look at it and see what is going to be best.

“Obviously we have got to speak with the owner and see what is available.”

A consortium comprising of Errol Pope, who is the primary funder, Jed McCrory, Scott Priestnall and David Seymour completed a takeover of Warriors at the beginning of this month.

“We are in contact about everything to be honest,” said Solomons on the new investors.

“The channels of communication are good so there is absolutely no problem there.”

After a successful spell at Warriors last season Lance returned to Sixways in the summer.

The 28-year-old made five appearances this term before picking up the injury in the lead-up to Worcester’s clash with Ospreys earlier this month.

“When Jono was a youngster he picked up the injury playing cricket,” Solomons said.

“But he will recover and play this season, there is no question about that.

“Initially he has got to rest for a period until it heals and then he has got to rehab it once it has cleared.

“They will scan it probably after about six weeks and see how it is doing.”

Solomons added: “He is out for 16 weeks but we will get a clearer indication after six to eight weeks as to whether he will be out for the full period or not.

“With these things you never know exactly but at the moment the matter is under consideration and we will make a decision in due course.”

Warriors have been boosted by the form of Shillcock who has scored two tries in three games since returning from knee surgery.

The 21-year-old starred at full-back in Worcester’s 35-3 victory over Sale Sharks in the Premiership Cup last Friday but was the club’s first-choice fly-half for much of the 2017-18 campaign.

Van Breda, who has the ability to play in a number of positions, has also come back from injury in recent weeks. “Scott has played at fly-half at provincial level in South Africa although his position as a youngster was full-back,” Solomons said.

“We know Shilly is a really promising young 10 and we have still got Duncy there as well so we have got to have a look at it carefully and make a good decision.”