SCRUM-HALF Francois Hougaard and skipper Donncha O’Callaghan picked up “little niggles” in Worcester Warriors’ superb Aviva Premiership win against Saracens.

Tighthead prop Nick Schonert will also have treatment on an injury as Warriors prepare for Saturday’s visit from third-placed Exeter Chiefs (3pm).

Loosehead props Val Rapava Ruskin (back) and Ryan Grant (back) both missed Warriors’ 24-18 victory over Sarries last weekend.

Hooker Jack Singleton limped off with a knee injury and is likely to be a major doubt for the Chiefs showdown.

“We have a couple of little niggles and waiting to hear whether one or two guys will get through some late fitness tests,” said Warriors director of rugby Gary Gold.

“Sharky’s (Schonert) elbow is quite sore and we’re still waiting to see what is happening with the looseheads, while Donncha’s shoulder was a bit sore.

“Francois is obviously a little bit sore post-surgery (on his shoulder) so we are really hoping for a couple of guys to come through.

“I think it’s expected that (Hougaard) will have residual pain after matches and it just has to be managed properly and we have to be sensible about it.

“He’s just had surgery and I am sure the pain is just more on the mending side and I don’t believe there’s anything structurally wrong. I think we have to sensible about it.”

Hougaard was knocked to the ground in a late challenge from England centre Brad Barritt who led with his knee.

Sarries wing Mike Ellery was yellow carded by referee Tom Foley for dropping his shoulder into Hougaard’s body.

“There’s a lot of gamesmanship that happens and I am quite sure we might not have been the most angelic bunch ourselves” said Gold.

“There are swings and roundabouts – it’s a tough game.”

Gold said Warriors are on the look-out to strengthen “one or two key positions” in their squad but hadn’t yet found any suitable players.

“We would have a look at one or two key positions but the truth is there isn’t anyone on the immediate horizon and I would tell you if there was,” said Gold.

“I am not really a player of games. There are one or two positions we would have a look at but we just haven’t found anybody suitable.”

He added: “We have some pretty good players in the loosehead position and unless we were adding significant quality I don’t think we would need to buy another player similar to somebody we’ve already got.

“We’re looking (at players) but time is running out and everybody is in season so I am not sure we will be able to get anybody.”

Gold added that Biyi Alo put his hand up to offer cover at loosehead from the bench last weekend with James Johnston covering at tighthead.

“Biyi was going to cover us at loosehead (against Saracens) and was outstanding in training,” said Gold.

“I asked Biyi whether he could help us out and he said 'yes'. The plan was for James to stay at tighthead.

“When you talk about the type of people you want in your squad to build around it’s the likes of Biyi and Ryan Bower – those are the type of guys and many others.”