Richard Hill has revealed inspirational back row forward Kai Horstmann is set to miss the crunch Aviva Premiership away trip to Newcastle Falcons on Friday (kick-off 7.45pm).
Head Coach Hill had hoped that Horstmann could make his comeback in the televised clash in the north east.
However, a twinge in training means the big Number Eight faces another two-week wait for his return to competitive rugby after a hamstring injury.
“Kai is very important to us, has stepped in as captain when Chris Pennell has been injured and we were going to include him in the squad for Friday, so it is disappointing,” said Hill.
“He is a big leader for us and a very good Number Eight, but he’s had a bit of a set-back and tweaked his hamstring. He should be out for another couple of weeks.”
“He had done all the strength tests and was sprinting, he was very happy that his leg was 100 per cent,” added Hill. “But we have been doing defensive drills and you do get put in some slightly more awkward positions.
“The last time he did it he couldn’t out any weight on it so it is nowhere near as bad, he is walking at the moment. It’s not as serious but a setback for this game.”
Hill also admitted he would not make sweeping changes for the game at Kingston Park adding: “This is not the game to make too many changes.
“After this we can look at it in the Amlin Challenge Cup and give them the opportunity to challenge. It is high risk to change too many positions with such a big game coming off.”