MARK Gabey gave Worcester Rugby Club an injury boost today by returning to training.

The powerhouse forward popped a rib cartilage during his comeback match against Plymouth earlier this month and was expected to be out for another week at least.

However, coaches John Brain and Andy Keast put the utility forward through a light contact session today and will assess his fitness tomorrow ahead of Saturday's National One clash at Wakefield.

With Christian Evans and Craig Quinnell both fit, Brain and Keast will not rush Gabey back but 20 minutes of game time at College Grove would be useful preparation for Worcester's April 12 showdown with title rivals Rotherham.

"We'll obviously know a bit more about Mark on Wednesday," said Brain. "He's feeling a lot better now and we're more optimistic than we originally were."

Meanwhile, Gary Trueman is doubtful for the trip to West Yorkshire. The centre suffered a reoccurrence of his ankle injury against Moseley at the weekend and looks likely to sit out the Wakefield clash.

The coaches, though, have a number of options available with James Ogilvie-Bull, Will Wigram and Tim Walsh all ready to fill in at 12.