MARCEL Garvey is expected to be out of action for just three weeks despite breaking a bone in his hand — but prop Matt Mullan is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

In-form wing Garvey fractured a bone in his right hand during the Amlin Challenge Cup defeat to Montpellier at Sixways, but the injury is not as bad as initially feared and scans predict he will be out for less than a month.

England Saxon Mullan, however, damaged his left hamstring and is set to visit a specialist for the full medical results of scans. It is feared he could miss up to three months of action.

Garvey and centre Dale Rasmussen, who has strained ligaments in his left knee, could be back in contention for Worcester’s Guinness Premiership trip to Newcastle Falcons on November 1, but Mullan will not feature again until the new year.

Lock Graham Kitchener is also set for a month out with a right shoulder injury, while prop Shaun Ruwers has injured his big toe and is set to see a consultant this week to be fully assessed.

Meanwhile, utility-back Calum MacRae, who broke his thumb on his Warriors debut against Ulster in pre-season, is set to return to action in Saturday’s Challenge Cup match against Olympus Rugby XV Madrid.

The Scotland ‘A’ international said: “It’s good to be back. After you get over the initial disappointment of missing six weeks you look to work on whatever you can, such as your skills and fitness, to make sure when you get back it is on the front foot.

“Obviously I have seen the Guinness Premiership games from the sidelines and I’m looking forward to getting involved and back in competitive action.

“This weekend, if selected, I want to make sure I put down a marker and show why I should be featuring.