ENGLAND squad centre Ben Te’o “felt dizzy” after taking a bang on the head in the first half of Worcester Warriors’ thrilling 23-23 draw against Gloucester in the Aviva Premiership.

The former Leinster star used his strength to cut inside and brush off two Gloucester tacklers to mark his home debut with the first-ever top-tier try on the new state-of-the-art surface at Sixways.

But the powerful Te’o had to be assessed for concussion during the interval and was withdrawn from the action.

It would be a major blow for Warriors should Te’o lengthen their injury list which included skipper Gerrit-Jan van Velze (concussion) and Nick Schonert (elbow) for last night's derby.

Wing Bryce Heem (knee) still remains on crutches, while Chris Pennell (neck), Will Spencer (back), Ryan Mills and Tom Biggs are also among those on the treatment table.

And versatile back Ben Howard will be out of action for “10 to 12 weeks” after an operation on the ankle he injured in a warm-up match against Jersey last month.

The 23-year-old hoped to start the new Premiership season at full-back but rolled his left ankle in Warriors 23-17 defeat against the Islanders.

The former Warwick School pupil had scored a try and made impressive runs in Warriors’ 35-14 defeat by French giants Clermont Auvergne in their first warm-up match.

Head coach Carl Hogg said: “Ben is indisposed and that will be for a lengthy period of time which I think will be for 10 to 12 weeks.

“He suffered an injury in Jersey. They didn’t think it was as significant as it was. It turned out that he required an operation.”

Hogg added: “We have one or two injuries but it creates opportunities for others.

“If you look at some of the people in the squad who are coming off the bench you know they will put their hand up.

“Ideally, you want everyone to pick from and you want to pick from a full squad at the start of the season.

“We haven’t had that luxury unfortunately but it creates opportunities for others.”