Horstmann played for England Saxons in 2006

Worcester Warriors back-row Kai Horstmann says he is eager to return to Guinness Premiership action against Bath on Friday.

The 28-year-old picked up a cartilage injury in the 23-3 defeat by Wasps in September and has not played since.

The England Saxons man also missed the end of last season with a rib injury.

Hortsmann told BBC Hereford and Worcester: "It's been six months of hell and frustrating not knowing if I could come back."

He added: "Match fitness is difficult without playing games but the good thing about the injury is that it didn't stop me running, I have been able to do that and keep conditioned fairly well.

"I'm pretty awful at watching the games, especially over the last three or four weeks and after the Quins' game.

"We underperformed after starting the season so well, and we talk about opportunities but sooner or later we have to start taking them."

Talei is likely to be out until February next year

Horstmann's return is good news for Worcester, after Fiji international Netani Talei was ruled out for three months following surgery on a shoulder injury.

But Hortsmann says his side must improve their performances in upcoming matches against Bath and Saracens.

"Bath are a good side regardless of where they are in the league and Saracens have not lost yet. It's two huge weeks for us and I am highly excited about being back fit for these two games," he said.

"They (Bath) seem one of those sides that do well against us, but they are below us in the table and that's where we want them to stay. We will be fired up for it we but know we have underperformed in recent weeks."

The 28-year old added that he now feels he is one of the senior players at Sixways, with a responsibility to younger players.

"I don't know where the middle bit went, I went from young bloke to old bloke and I'm not sure what happened with the bit in the middle," Horstmann said.

"A lot of young guys in the squad are doing really well and that's exciting for us. The old guys need to keep leading well, because at times we have struggled a bit with direction and we need to keep together as a squad."

Worcester Warriors take on Bath in the Guinness Premiership at Sixways on Friday, 20 November (2000 GMT).

There will be full commentary on Worcester Warriors versus Bath on Friday, 20 November on 104 FM and online at BBC Hereford and Worcester.

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