EXPERIENCED prop Callum Black is confident injury-hit Worcester Warriors will be able to cope without some of their star men in Saturday's clash with Harlequins at The Stoop.

Full-back Chris Pennell (thigh), centre Ryan Mills (shoulder), fly-half Duncan Weir (hand) and back-rower Marco Mama (leg) have all been ruled out after suffering injuries in last Sunday’s defeat to Exeter Chiefs.

But Black believes their replacements will “raise their game” and “bring a bit of buzz” to the squad as they bid to seize their chance.

Centre Francois Venter and the versatile Jamie Shillcock come in for Mills and Pennell respectively for their first Gallagher Premiership starts of the season.

Jono Lance replaces Weir at stand-off and will skipper the side that also features debutant wing Ed Fidow while midfield ace Ollie Lawrence is on the bench.

“We have a great squad here and there is great competition for places,” Black said.

“As soon as another person comes in they prove their worth.

“There are boys champing at the bit to get a shot in the shirt. Saturday will be a good chance for them to push themselves forward. These games are so physical and so demanding that you have to have good squads.

“It’s not a 15-man or 23-man game anymore.

“But we are confident that whoever comes in will raise their game and bring a bit of buzz to the team because they are coming in fresh.”

Scrum-half Francois Hougaard (shoulder), tighthead props Nick Schonert (knee) and Farai Mudariki (ankle), centre Will Butler (ankle), wing Alex Hearle (foot), hooker Matt Moulds (knee) and back-row forward Caleb Montgomery (wrist) are also on the casualty list.

“There are going to be injuries so everybody has to be ready to play at any time,” Black continued.

“Everybody knows their details so boys will just jump in when they are chosen.”

Warriors demonstrated their strength in depth last season by reaching the knockout stages of the European Challenge Cup and Premiership Cup.

Wing Josh Adams, hooker Jack Singleton and centre Ben Te’o were among 15 senior players that departed in the summer.

But Black said: “The boys that have come in have brought a different dimension to the team and added value.

“It is an exciting squad, everyone has brought into it and there is competition across the board which is healthy.”

Warriors face a Quins team who will be without several internationals including full-back Mike Brown, scrum-half Danny Care and back-rower Chris Robshaw.

“Harlequins are a threat all over the park with the brand of rugby that they play,” Black added.

“They are a tempo team and under their new coaching set-up they are a physical side as well.

“It is going to be a big test but one we are looking forward to.”