THERE are question marks over the fitness of centre Francois Venter ahead of Worcester Warriors’ trip to Bristol Bears on Saturday (3pm).

But England powerhouse Ben Te’o is lying in wait to replace the South Africa international for the Gallagher Premiership clash should he fail to pass concussion tests.

Venter, who joined Warriors from Cheetahs last summer, has formed a regular centre partnership with Ryan Mills, starting together on 15 occasions this term.

But the Springbok sustained a bang to his head 17 minutes into Warriors’ 33-30 defeat to Exeter Chiefs at Sixways two weeks ago.

Venter is set to be assessed before director of rugby Alan Solomons selects his struggling side to tackle Bears at Ashton Gate.

“He has got to go through the (return-to-play) protocol so let’s see how that pans out,” Solomons said.

“If he does not complete that in time then he won’t be playing.”

Warriors’ midfield options were dealt a big blow last Friday when Ollie Lawrence picked up a “major” ankle injury in England under 20s’ win over Scotland.

The 19-year-old, who impressed off the bench against Chiefs, is set to miss the rest of the season.

But Te’o has come back from international duty this week and could start alongside stand-in skipper Mills.

After playing just 30 minutes of rugby for Warriors until late December, Te’o played in four successive matches and three of those were victories.

But the 32-year-old suffered a side strain in the build-up to the Six Nations and made just one start in England’s campaign.

“Ben is fine,” Solomons said.

“He has trained with us so there is 100 per cent no problem there.

“He played four games for us before he went off (with England) and played well for us.

“He got very little game-time (in the draw with Scotland) on the weekend. I think he had about five minutes so he will be looking forward to playing.”

Academy ace Will Butler, 20, and ex-South Africa star Wynand Olivier, 35, could also be in the mix for a place on the bench.

“We have got good players at centre which is very healthy,” Solomons said.

“Will just hasn’t had the rugby that we would have liked him to have had this year because he picked up that elbow injury.

“That got sorted out but then he hurt his hip which is a pity as he is a really good player.”

Wing Josh Adams, who has penned a deal to join Cardiff Blues next season, is set to come back into Warriors’ starting line-up after guiding Wales to Grand Slam glory.

“It is good to have guys like Benni and Josh back that have been involved in the international set-up,” Solomons said.

“Josh played in quite a big Test match on Saturday so I gave him 48 hours to rest which he needed.

“It was the right thing to do for him to get over all the knocks, bumps and bruises and to mentally recharge his batteries as it was quite a responsibility going into those games playing in front of a packed crowd in Cardiff.

“Every Test he has played for Wales he has been outstanding.

“He has established himself as a regular in that Welsh team that are deservedly the number two side in the world.”