Academy product Jake Abbott has already passed last season's try haul

Worcester Warriors flanker Jake Abbott will miss most of the rest of the season after picking up a knee injury in Friday's win against Bristol.

A scan on Wednesday confirmed the club's fears that Abbott had suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury, which will sideline him for six months.

Local boy Abbott, 22, got into the team due to skipper Pat Sanderson's injury at the start of the season.

And he has so far responded well, running in four tries in seven matches.

"Jake has had his scan," said coach Richard Hill. "It's a great shame because he's a young man who was going to use this year to really develop his game. He has demonstrated that he is a very exciting and prodigious young player.

"Unfortunately in rugby, even the very best have injuries and have to deal with them. The club will do everything we can to ensure he returns to full fitness as soon as possible."

England sevens international Abbott, a product of the Warriors Academy system, added: "I'm determined to get back.

"Everyone who knows me will know my heart is with Worcester. I always want to be part of this club.

"I will remain positive during my rehabilitation and train hard. I won't rush back and will make sure that when I return I'm ready and can make a real impact again."

Ironically, Abbott was not the only player to suffer a knee ligament injury in Friday's game, Bristol lock Ben Glynn having also been ruled out for six months.

Table-topping Worcester coach Hill had better news of centre Alex Crockett, who limped off in Friday night's 38-20 win against Bristol, but could still be fit for Saturday's battle of the top two at Bedford.

"Alex is probably 50-50 for the weekend," said Hill. "He's not been ruled out yet.

"But 50-50 is pretty good this early in the week and hopefully the percentage will increase as the days go by.

"It was a twisted ankle and it's not swollen up too much, so I don't think it is too serious. With a bit of luck he'll be fit."

Local boy Jonny Arr first joined Worcester at the tender age of six

Meanwhile, Warriors scrum-half Jonny Arr says his previous Championship experience has helped him adapt quickly to the league this season.

Warriors coach Richard Hill had stated some of his players may take some time to get used to life at a lower level.

But Arr told BBC Hereford and Worcester: "It was not too long ago I was playing at grounds like Moseley.

"For some guys it may have been a bit of a culture shock but I knew what to expect and knew what it was all about."

Arr added: "We are professional players, we know we have to perform and I don't think we have underestimated anyone.

"We are pretty lucky to be in the position we are in, playing rugby for a living.

"So it doesn't matter who were are playing or where we are playing, we just want to do the best we can."

Warriors go to Bedford this Saturday (16 October, 1500 BST) and there will be full commentary on BBC Hereford and Worcester on 104 FM and online.

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