WORCESTER Warriors skipper Gerrit-Jan van Velze faces two months on the sidelines after undergoing an operation on his fractured arm.

Director of rugby Alan Solomons said it was a “massive loss” for Warriors but was hopeful of seeing the influential forward back on the pitch before the end of the campaign.

Van Velze damaged a plate in his right forearm which he had previously broken during Warriors’ defeat at Harlequins two weeks ago.

The 31-year-old is now set to miss all of Warriors’ fixtures in March and April with the Gallagher Premiership concluding on May 18.

“GJ has had an operation done,” Solomons said.

“(Surgeons) have removed the plate and put some wires in there. They will remain in place for six weeks before coming out.

“Then we are looking at anything between two and four weeks before he would become available to play again.

“I would not expect to be seeing him playing over the next two months.”

Van Velze has made 16 appearances in all competitions this season but Solomons is confident Ryan Mills will step up as captain and Marco Mama will fill the void at number eight.

Solomons was also impressed with how his pack performed without van Velze last weekend as Warriors came from behind to beat Leicester Tigers 17-13 at Sixways.

“It is a massive loss as he is a terrific player and captain,” Solomons said.

“He has done a great job for us but fortunately we have got Millsy who lives and breathes the club and he will step into his shoes.

“We have also got Marco who can lead the pack so fortunately we do have replacements.

“Of course we will miss GJ but the loose trio that we had last weekend all did really well.

“I thought Ted (Hill), Marco and Sammy (Lewis) made a good fist of it.”

Warriors are preparing for Sunday’s crunch clash with Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park (3pm) and Solomons said he did not have any fresh injury concerns.

Fly-half Duncan Weir took pain-killers ahead of the match against Tigers but Solomons added: “He should be fine.

“There were the usual knocks, bumps and bruises but they should not affect selection.

“Perry Humphreys is not ready yet but we are hopeful he will be back by the Bristol game (on March 23).”