Crichton to miss Bourgoin clash

Sam Tuitupou should be back for the return game with Bourgoin

Worcester Warriors will be without Loki Crichton for Friday's European Challenge Cup clash with Bourgoin.

Already without backs Chris Latham, Chris Pennell and Sam Tuitupou, coach Mike Ruddock had hoped the full-back would recover from an ankle injury.

But the Samoan international has been forced to withdraw, to be replaced at full-back by Rico Gear, with Charlie Fellows coming in on the wing.

Ben Jones will be on the replacements bench at Stade Pierre Rajon.

Centre Tuitupou has returned to New Zealand because of a family illness, while Pennell picked up an ankle injury in Sunday's 23-6 defeat at Saracens and Latham is out for a month with knee ligament trouble.

"Chris Pennell has a swollen ankle after the Saracens game so with just a five day turnaround it is just not enough time for him to get right," said Ruddock. "But with a bit of luck he will be available for next weekend.

Prop Chris Horsman looks set for a recall, while winger Gear warmed up by playing for the Barbarians in their 18-11 defeat by Australia at Wembley on Wednesday night.

But it is too soon for former Wales centre Hal Luscombe to make his first start after his injury. And, like Tuitupou, he is now targeted to be back in action for the return game with Bourgoin on Saturday week (13 December, 1500 GMT).

Hal Luscombe, who made his Wales debut in 2003, has won 16 caps

"Hal Luscombe will not make it," confirmed Ruddock. "But he has trained well and we expect him to be involved next week.

"We were tempted to put him in but now we have gone this far with the recovery we have decided to carry on and get him right and not compromise that.

"Up front I think you might see Chris Horsman making a start and Chris Fortey should be back on the bench."

Tuitupou, who has scored five tries in 13 games for Warriors this season, has also spoken to Worcester about extending his current contract, which is due to expire at the end of next season.

Warriors meet Bourgoin in the European Challenge Cup on Friday 5 December (1930 GMT). Full commentary from Dave Bradley in Lyon on BBC Hereford & Worcester.