AHEAD of this weekend's Gallagher Premiership clash with Sale Sharks at Sixways, head coach Jonathan Thomas offered an update on a number of injury concerns and availability issues.

Willi Heinz and Ollie Lawrence were both pulled out ahead of kick-off last Friday night before the 66-10 defeat to Northampton Saints.

Both have suffered minor muscular tears (Lawrence hamstring, Heinz groin) and scrum-half Heinz will not be available for the visit of Sharks.

As for the England centre Lawrence, Thomas reports that he is confident of being involved against Sale but will be tested on Thursday to see if he is fit enough.

Sam Lewis hobbled off the pitch during the defeat on Friday evening but Thomas confirms it isn't anything too serious and is confident he will be involved on Saturday.

Chris Ashton was "not available" for selection last week for an unspecified reason but if rumours were to be believed, he had been suspended by the club.

He remains out of the squad, with Thomas reiterating that he is "unavailable for selection".

Matt Garvey was also not included in the squad for the trip to Northampton or Leicester Tigers the weekend before amidst a similar rumour but Thomas has indicated that the second-row has been training this week and is in contention for the weekend.