Worcester fly half Matthew Jones could be out for six weeks having had the injury which saw him hobble off in Friday's win over Newcastle diagnosed as a stress fracture in his foot.

The early prognosis suggests the 24-year-old will miss at least four games including the vital Guinness Premiership matches with Saracens, this Sunday, and Bristol on December 20.

However, director of rugby Mike Ruddock is optimistic the former Wales international can make it back in time to face Newcastle two days after Christmas.

"Hopefully he can beat the medical guys' expectations and get back after four weeks rather than six," Ruddock said. "It's a similar injury to the one Dale Rasmussen had last year. He's in a protective boot and will have to stay off it.

"It's a shame because he has been playing well. He has made quite an impression in the short period he has been with us but it gives a chance for Loki [Crichton] and Joey Carlisle to show what they can do."

There is better news on Chris Latham. The full back will have a scan on his left knee and although it might show some strain to the ligaments, contrary to Ruddock's early hopes the Australian had only suffered bruising against Falcons, he could be back in a fortnight.

Chris Fortey, who also left the field injured will have his shoulder injury monitored, though he has an evens chance of facing Sarries.