Tuitupou joined Worcester from Auckland Blues in 2007

Worcester Warriors' Sam Tuitupou looks set to make his return after a long injury lay off against Leeds Carnegie at Sixways on Friday.

The former All Black was expected to feature at Northampton last weekend but was ruled out after aggravating a ligament injury.

The 27-year-old centre has not played for Worcester since December last year.

"Sam will be named in the team providing he comes through training," director of rugby Mike Ruddock said.

"He has been given the all-clear to drop back into rugby sessions. He has a busy week but, if he comes through okay with no adverse impact to his leg, then he will be passed fit to play."

Prop Olivier Sourgens, who limped off at Franklin's Gardens, could be out for up to three weeks with ligament damage.

"It looks like he has some damage around the knee. That could mean surgical intervention but we are looking at two or three weeks," Ruddock added.

Meanwhile, an inexperienced Warriors 'A' team lost 13-3 to Leeds Carnegie on Monday night.

Worcester handed A League debuts to ten players, while Leeds fielded the likes of experienced fly-half Jason Strange and highly-rated back-row Calum Clarke.

Will Runciman scored the Warriors points from a penalty as both sides made a host of changes in the second half at West Park.

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