Matt Mullan and Miles Benjamin sidelined for season

Mullan signed a new two-year deal in November

Worcester Warriors will be without prop Matt Mullan and wing Miles Benjamin for the rest of the season as both require surgery on shoulder injuries.

Chris Pennell will miss Saturday's game with London Irish with a jaw injury.

Warriors director of rugby Mike Ruddock told BBC Hereford & Worcester: "The key thing with Matt and Miles is we'll have them fit for the start of next season.

"For Matt in particular, and hopefully for Miles as well, next season is a massive one with the World Cup."

He continued: "Matt knows he's got to get it sorted now and get his strength back. That gives him every chance of trying to be a candidate for the World Cup and I fully expect him to be there.

"It's a shame because I know after winning his first international cap he was earmarked to go on the summer tour to Australia but that won't happen now."

Garvey has played only 13 games this season

It looks certain that Marcel Garvey, who has only played six Premiership games this season, will return for the clash with Irish.

All Blacks centre Sam Tuitupou is set to return as Ruddock has promised changes.

Back row Netani Talei is also due to return but may only make the bench.

Ruddock says injuries are bound to hit sides at this time of the season.

"This is a huge collision-based sport and there's no team in the league who is going to go through the season without people being operated on or missing games for long periods," he said.

"That's why you try to develop a squad."