WARRIORS pair Chris Horsman and James Brown are in a race against time to be fit for Sunday's match at Premiership champions Wasps.

Horsman came off against Saracens on Saturday after twisting his ankle, while Brown sat out the match after straining medial ligaments the previous week.

But director of rugby John Brain has been impressed with the progress of both players this week.

"We are going to have to leave it until quite late," he said. "Their fitness is improving on a daily basis. It's just a question of whether we can get them ready for Sunday.

"The news on Chris Horsman is quite positive. He's turned his ankle over but he's had intensive treatment on the injury.

"The damage is reasonably superficial but he hasn't been able to train so far this week."

Brown is also on the mend and was able to run again yesterday.

The Warriors coaches are also sweating on the fitness of Drew Hickey. The number eight has been troubled by a shoulder problem, which was exacerbated at the weekend.

"He has had a little bit of a sore shoulder," said Brain. "He's got a limited range of movement and he's quite a doubt for this game on Sunday."

If the results of a scan show anything other than bruising then Kai Horstmann is likely to make his full debut for the club.

Thinus Delport is back in training after missing the Saracens game but may struggle to win his place from Nicolas Le Roux, who produced a man-of-the-match performance at full-back on his home debut.

If the South African is recalled, it may require a re-shuffle among the backs, while the half-back pairing is not yet set in stone.

Should Brown recover in time, he could put pressure on Shane Drahm for the number 10 shirt after the Australian's patchy form with the boot in the last two games.

And Brain admits there is little to choose between Matt Powell and Andy Gomarsall at scrum-half.

He added: "We've got some issues with injury but I wouldn't expect there to be too many changes from the team that played Saracens."

One player who won't figure is Argentinian wing Fernando Higgs, currently on trial at Sixways.

He has played in two Guinness 'A' games but is not yet registered to play in Premiership matches.

Brain and his coaching staff will continue to monitor the player over the next fortnight.