LOCK Michael Fatialofa is rehabbing an “aggravated” knee issue and will have to wait several more weeks before he makes his Worcester Warriors debut.

Director of rugby Alan Solomons had hoped to see Fatialofa, 26, in action for Warriors in November following his arrival at the beginning of this month.

But Solomons revealed the 6ft 6in second row who is known for his ability in the lineout was still overcoming a problem with his knee that he underwent surgery on at the end of the Super Rugby season.

Solomons confirmed Fatialofa would miss Warriors’ Premiership fixtures against Harlequins at Sixways on Friday (7.45pm) and Gloucester at Kingsholm a week on Saturday (3pm).

“He had a clean out of that knee,” Solomons said.

“After that he came back and played in the Mitre10 Cup, sometimes playing three games in a week.

“He aggravated that knee a little bit so we have got to make sure that is 100 per cent right and comfortable before we play him.

“He is still rehabbing and when that is complete he will become available.”

Solomons said Fatialofa suffered the setback while starring for Auckland but continued to play as he helped the club win the Mitre10 Cup last month.

On Auckland’s handling of the ex-Hurricanes forward’s injury, Solomons said: “Auckland are entitled to do what they do.

“That’s the way it is.

“It’s the same for Jono (Lance).

“When you have back-to-back seasons that’s when you need a bit of a break.

“Now Jono is getting a decent break and this is good for Michael as well.

“He did have a six-week break and then he had the Mitre10 Cup but we need to rehab him properly so when he comes back, all things being equal, he will play through the season.

“You must remember there is a long way to go in this season.”

Solomons expects Fatialofa to feature in Warriors’ European Challenge Cup double header against Pau next month before the Premiership returns on Friday, December 21 with a home clash against Northampton Saints.

“I would guess that by the next block of Premiership fixtures he will certainly be up and running,” he said.

“We have got a plan mapped out for him in terms of his rehab.

“He won’t go straight into that block of three as he will have to be selected and get an opportunity to play before then.

“He will be involved in Europe.”