LOKI Crichton’s ankle injury is not as bad as first feared and the Samoan fly-half will travel with Worcester Warriors to France for Friday night’s European Challenge Cup encounter with Bourgoin.
The Sixways play-maker limped out of the disappointing 23-9 defeat at Saracens after just 20 minutes, leaving Mike Rud-dock with rookie Joe Carlisle as his only recognised stand-off.
Academy product Carlisle, who turns 21 tomorrow, struggled to find his feet at Vicarage Road and still looks some way away from being a Guinness Premiership standard fly-half. However, Warriors director of rugby Ruddock insists he has faith in the youngster, who will start against the French club.
But the Warriors’ boss admitted he might bring in a stand-off on loan if the current injury jinx gets worse, but insisted that would be a last resort.
He added: “We would consider a loan signing if we had further injuries, but it would be a big ask for someone to come in and learn all of the plays in such a short space of time.
“Even if Loki doesn’t make it in time for Friday’s game, he should be ready for the return match next Saturday.”
Academy fly-half George Crook won’t be taken to Bourgoin as he isn’t registered for European competition, so Jonny Arr or Alex Grove will deputise if Crichton fails to make the bench.
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