NEIL Lyman has been ruled out of Worcester Rugby Club's forthcoming Sixways friendlies with a knee problem.

The tighthead prop has been struggling with tendonitis in his knee and has been ordered to rest by doctors.

Lyman will definitely miss Saturday's friendly with Swansea and also the August 9 pre-season clash with Ebbw Vale.

The 32-year-old will travel with the rest of the squad to South Africa on August 15 but is unlikely to figure in Worcester's friendly with Durban Harlequins six days later.

New signings Mark Gabey and Richard Bates are also ruled out of Saturday's Swansea friendly as they continue to recover from operations.

Gabey underwent a clean-up of his knee earlier this month and has only begun running again this week.

The former Bath man, however, has not yet been ruled out of the Ebbw Vale friendly.

Bates is still not taking contact on his shoulder after a January operation and will not be ready for either pre-season test.

Sixways' director of rugby John Brain is hoping to give the rest of his squad a run-out in the Swansea match which will give supporters the chance to acquaint themselves with a host of summer signings.

"It is safe to say that all the fit players will be involved at some stage," he said. "We will play four 20 minute periods and use it as a training exercise really.

"We want to look at different options and combinations - there will not be any real significance to the game in terms of result.

"In terms of the injuries - we have had Neil's knee scanned and basically the only cure is rest.

"Mark Gabey is running again and we will be monitoring his progress over the week but he will not figure in the Swansea match. Mark is closer to returning than Richard Bates but we are pleased with the way he is coming on."