Sanderson could miss three big games for the Warriors

Worcester Warriors skipper Pat Sanderson has been ruled out for at least the next two Premiership fixtures because of a thigh injury.

The former England captain missed Sunday's opener at Northampton with the problem, which will now rule him out for the rest of September.

Warriors director of rugby Mike Ruddock said: "Pat had a setback. He ended up having blood drained from his leg.

"Blood under the muscle had congealed and he had a reaction to painkillers."

He added: "But he is a tough guy, and if anyone is going to make a rapid recovery after something like that it's going to be Pat Sanderson.

"It is probably going to be a number of weeks before he returns to action."

Sanderson's extended injury lay-off means he is likely to miss Worcester's matches at Wasps on Sunday, then at home to Leicester the week after and at Bath on 27 September.

Greg Rawlinson, who led Worcester at Franklins Gardens, is expected to continue in the role during Sanderson's absence.