Latham sidelined for four weeks

Chris Latham scored Warriors' first try in Friday night's 26-11 victory

Worcester full-back Chris Latham could be out for four weeks after a scan revealed ligament damage to the knee he injured on Friday night.

Initial reports said the in-form ex-Australian Test star had suffered only bruising in the win over Newcastle.

But Worcester are now not expecting him back until after Christmas.

"He probably won't be fit before Christmas, but, if anyone can recover quickly from this, it's Chris Latham," said director of rugby Mike Ruddock.

"When you buy a world-class player you hope he will stay at those levels even if he's not playing international rugby," he told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"Chris Latham certainly has that motivation, not only to stay at the top but to get better every week, and he keeps coming to the coaches to ask how he can get better.

"He's a great role model to the younger players and a great leadership role model as he puts the extra work into training."

Warriors confirmed on Tuesday that fly-half Matthew Jones will also be ruled out for several weeks after suffering a stress fracture to his right foot in the same game.

Hooker Chris Fortey also picked up a shoulder injury in the Warriors' 26-11 victory.

"Chris Fortey took a knock on the shoulder and it's muscular damage from the collision he took," added Ruddock. "He could make next week."