WARRIORS' Scotland international Euan Murray is facing an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering a bizarre injury.

It's is believed the veteran front-rower injured his hand while chopping wood at the recent team-building barbecue at Sixways and has sustained significant damage.

The news will be a huge blow to Worcester as Murray is their marquee player - the highest paid member of the squad whose wage is exempt from the salary cap - and would have been seen as a key component in the forthcoming relegation battle.

Tighthead prop Murray , 33, joined Warriors from Newcastle Falcons at the end of a short-term loan deal with French outfit Agen in October 2012 and then put pen to paper on what was said to be a 'long-term deal' in the following January.

However, he has not featured for Worcester this term since suffering Achilles tendon damage playing for Scotland in the autumn Test series in November.

That injury looked to have ruled him out of the forthcoming Six Nations, but his latest set-back will almost certainly mean he plays no part in the competition.

It appears unlikely he will feature again for Warriors this season, which leaves Ryan with just John Andress and Rob O'Donnell to chose between at tighthead.