BEN Clarke has been ruled out of Worcester Rugby Club's clash with Manchester tomorrow.

The former England star is not included in the 22-man squad for the National One clash after suffering a hamstring injury.

Clarke, however, may not be the only player to miss out on a game with the chances of the match going ahead rated doubtful because of the freezing weather.

Any play at Grove Park for the 2.15pm kick-off is looking unlikely after frost affected the pitch last night on top of a cold week in the North West.

Sixways coach John Brain named an unchanged line-up, with the exception of Clarke, from the side which beat Moseley 33-12 on Saturday.

Jim Jenner comes in for Clarke at number eight, as he did against Moseley in the second-half. Clarke has burst a blood vessel in his hamstring and is suffering from bruising rather than a pull or a tear.

"He has had a scan and it is not serious," said Brain. "We are hoping to have him back for the Birmingham and Solihull match next week, but even if he doesn't make that he won't be out for too long.

"We have kept the same side, apart from Ben, because of the performance against Moseley but also because it is nice to keep some continuity. At this stage of the season, I think we need to keep stability among the team. We obviously have to keep the players, who are not in at the moment, interested so there is always the opportunity for players to come in.

"January is important for us. I would call it make or break. People tend to look ahead at the Rotherham game but Manchester and Birmingham away are very difficult matches.

"It's a home match for them, so they'll be up for the game."

Worcester: Tuipulotu; Garrard, Hinshelwood, Yates, Murdoch; Chalmers, Smith; Davis, Ross, Moreno, Morgan, Soper, Carter, Jones, Jenner. Reps: Pellow, Vile, Roke, Windo, Hall, Sims, Evans.