CHRIS Pennell faces a race against time to be fit for the start of Worcester Warriors’ Aviva Premiership campaign after sustaining a calf problem.

The long-serving full-back has been ruled out for two weeks with the injury, meaning he is likely to miss Warriors’ pre-season games against Birmingham Moseley at Billesley Common on Friday (7.30pm) and Munster at Sixways on Thursday, August 24 (7.30pm).

Worcester begin their league season a week later on Friday, September 1 when they visit Newcastle Falcons.

Centre Max Stelling hopes of forcing his way into the first XV have suffered a blow after picking up an ankle injury which is expected to keep him out for eight weeks.

Warriors have also revealed prop Gareth Milasinovich has been sidelined for one week with a hamstring issue.

Flanker Carl Kirwan has sustained a shoulder injury, but the club have yet to confirm how long he will be out for.

More injury news is set to follow.