ALAN Solomons lifted the lid on the worst possible week at Warriors as the rugby world anxiously awaits news on Michael Fatialofa's neck injury.
The New Zealander underwent successful surgery to alleviate "bruising and swelling on his spinal cord" that left him with "reduced power and sensation in his arms and legs" after being stretchered off at Saracens on Saturday.
READ MORE | Fatialofa's surgery "a success"
READ MORE | Warriors press conference notes and injury update
Solomons revealed how club doctor Nick Tait had addressed the rest of the squad with Warriors keen to ensure the support network is in place for everyone, particularly Fatialofa and his loved ones.
"The players, staff and everyone, all our thoughts are with Michael and his family," said Solomons.
"It seems that it (the surgery) was positive but he remains in intensive care and his condition remains serious.
"From where I was I couldn't see what had happened clearly but the replay didn't look good. Full marks to all the medical staff involved, they did all the right things and managed to get him to hospital.
"He is in the hands of experts, good hands, although it is obviously not a pleasant thing."
On the impact at Sixways, Solomons added: "I think the important thing is the players have information, some they can speak to.
"The team doctor addressed the players first thing on Monday morning so they were in the loop and any player who wishes to can speak to Nick. It is quite a tight group and the players have been very supportive, certainly of Michael and his family.
"We have spoken about it and I think the most important thing is to show Michael he has that support.
"You have to be sensitive to the situation, that is the key. The lads have been pretty good, as has the level of support so the whole family knows everyone is behind them.
"It has been bigger than just us here at Warriors and that is what you expect from the game. Whatever Saracens could do to help they did and it has been fantastic to see the response throughout the rugby community.
"We just want to see Michael recover, that's all."
The much-travelled Warriors chief admitted the situation had been a first even for him but that the focus had to remain on Fatialofa's recovery.
"You get serious injuries that take a player out for the season but not of this nature," he said.
"The biggest thing we can do is make sure he is receiving the best possible medical care, which is is receiving, and that he knows he has support of absolutely everyone at the club from the owners right down.
"Colin Goldring (co-owner) was at the hospital on Saturday night right through to 11-12."
Such is the nature of professional sport, another fixture is just around the corner with Warriors hosting Enisei-STM in the European Challenge Cup on Saturday (3pm).
"As tough as it is, we have to continue to prepare for the match on Saturday," said Solomons.
"We have a responsibility to play the game and I have spoken to the players about that. It is not that we think about Michael any less.
"He is in our prayers but we also have to get on with the job."
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