A QUARTET of key Worcester players have resumed training ahead of Saturday’s LV Cup clash with Newcastle Falcons at Sixways (12.30pm).

Veteran prop Olivier Sourgens is in contention for the first time since damaging his knee 12 minutes into his Warriors debut against Northampton Saints at Franklins Gardens on the opening day of the season.

The Frenchman was joined in training this week by influential full-back Chris Latham, who missed last weekend’s match through illness, centre Dale Ras-mussen (knee) and Marcel Garvey (hand) — all of whom are set to figure in the Anglo-Welsh Cup match.

Director of rugby Mike Ruddock will be gunning for revenge after seeing his side flatter to deceive in a 14-3 Guinness Premiership defeat at Kingston Park last weekend and his side’s task will be made easier as the Falcons have made 12 changes to that team, including a debut for former Sixways wing Uche Oduoza.

Warriors’ team manager Alun Carter is expecting Ruddock to send out his strongest side available as Worcester look to generate some momentum and get their season back on track.

The former Wales flanker said: “We learnt a lot last week. The players were fairly frank with each other in training this week — they were honest and said that, as a group, we didn’t do ourselves justice at Newcastle.

“Mike is keen to put out a similar team this weekend because we want to get some momentum back into what we’re doing as a group and start winning again. A large number of the players who played last Sunday will have the opportunity to put things right on Sat-urday.

“Chris Latham was back doing light training yesterday — he is still a bit woozy — but he’ll be fit for selection for the weekend. The prop situation is easing too with Olivier back in training this week and he’ll strengthen us.”

Carter also revealed some good news on the injury front with first-choice number eight Kai Horstmann (ribs) and injury-hit fly-half Matt Jones (foot) both closing on a return to action.

Graham Kitchener and Greg King have also resumed training and Shaun Ruwers had had the plaster cast taken off his foot.