WARRIORS hooker Andre Van Niekerk could make his first team comeback in the European Challenge Cup match in Montpellier.
The South African star has not played since dislocating his shoulder in Worcester's Powergen Cup match against Northampton on October 1 but has made a good recovery following keyhole surgery.
Director of rugby John Brain is hopeful that he will be ready for the trip to France on January 20 or the televised Premiership tussle with Bristol a week later.
"I would say he is two to three weeks away," said Brain.
"He may play against Montpellier. If not we would expect to have him available for the Premiership game with Bristol."
Van Niekerk, whose powerful scrummaging has been missed in recent games, has not returned to contact training but has been practising line-outs this week.
The 29-year-old will leave Warriors at the end of the season to return to South Africa, where he will join former club Golden Lions on an 18-month contract.
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