TOMMY Hayes could be back in action as soon as next week.

The Worcester Warriors' fly-half, who suffered a knee injury against Bath last month, has undergone a clean-up operation to remove some cartilage.

However, despite the minor surgery, Hayes has not yet been ruled out of Worcester's clash with Gloucester next Saturday.

"Tommy has had some minor surgery," said Worcester's director of rugby John Brain. "We found that, when he was running, every once in a while his knee would lock so he has had a quick clean-up operation. There will be some swelling but once that goes down, Tommy will be back up and running.

"We certainly haven't ruled him out of Gloucester but, if he misses that, he should be involved in the two European games with Brive.

"Tommy is very positive, this won't set him back too much."

Worcester have also been boosted by news on flanker Leon Greeff. The Zimbabwean, who limped out of the victory over Harlequins on Saturday, is likely to be out of action for only a couple of weeks with a foot injury. Brain had initially feared that Greeff could be out for five weeks.

Gary Trueman has recovered from his shoulder injury and will travel as back-up with the rest of the squad for tomorrow's clash with Leeds (2.30pm).