THE battle for Worcester Warriors’ number 10 jersey is set to ramp up next week when Jono Lance and Jamie Shillcock come back into the mix for selection.

Duncan Weir has established himself as Warriors’ first-choice fly-half while Lance (back) and Shillcock (ankle) have been recovering from their respective injuries.

But the duo are expected to be back available ahead of Worcester’s home clash with Leicester Tigers a week on Sunday (1pm) after returning to full training this week.

Lance has not played since suffering a partial stress fracture to his back in Warriors’ memorable European Challenge Cup triumph at Stade Francais in Paris in mid-October.

After completing his rehab in his native Australia Solomons had hoped to field Lance in the Premiership Cup semi-final against Saracens last Friday.

But the Aussie ace was not given the nod and Solomons ruled him out of the league trip to Harlequins on Saturday (3pm) as well.

“He has been practising and is probably a week away,” Solomons said.

“Remember he has been out for a considerable period and this is the first time he has been back with the club.

“This will be his second week where he has been involved in training, taking contact again and kicking.

“We are looking after him carefully but he has got to get back into the swing of it.

“Clearly during the period that he was off he would not have been doing any kicking at all.

“Due to the nature of the injury that he had and the length of time that he has been out it would be prudent to hold him back another week.”

Shillcock, who made 21 appearances last season, injured his ankle in Warriors’ European Challenge Cup defeat at Pau in early December.

“Jamie is in a similar position,” Solomons said.

“He is probably a week away but he is coming back as well which is good and he and Jono are taking a full part in practice this week.”

With Lance and Shillcock sidelined Warriors have leaned on Scotland international Weir who has notched 16 outings this season.

Weir replaced Scott van Breda in the second half of Worcester’s 38-22 cup loss to Sarries at Sixways.

“We need (Jono and Jamie) as you know what the game is like – it is attritional,” Solomons said.

“When someone comes back someone sadly gets injured. That’s the nature of the sport as it’s so physical.

“I thought Scotty did really well (against Saracens).

“He hasn’t played at fly-half for quite a period, but he slotted in and did a job.

“Needs must Duncan had to play and had a good 30 minutes but he coped with it.”