WORCESTER Warriors star Ryan Mills has undergone a successful ankle operation as he bids to return for the start of pre-season.

The 25-year-old playmaker sustained the damage in Warriors’ 34-5 defeat to Leicester Tigers at Sixways last month.

He then went to see a specialist to understand the extent of the damage to his ankle before going under the knife to repair the issue.

But director of rugby Alan Solomons said it was “not too serious” and would be looking to come back ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.

“He needed a procedure done so he has had that sorted out and should be 100 per cent,” Solomons said.

“Anything which is going to result in him being back at the start of the season is not too serious.

“It’s not like the injury to Marco (Mama) who was out for nine months.”

Solomons also confirmed centre Wynand Olivier would not play again this season as he continues to overcome surgery on his hamstring.

Olivier has featured just twice this term, with his last appearance coming against Harlequins in October.

But the popular 34-year-old signed a one-year contract extension in February and Solomons said he was making progress.

“Wynand definitely won’t play again this season,” Solomons said.

“If you remember they had to reattach the hamstring to the bone.

“But he is coming along well now. He is running.

“Millsy also had an op so he is in a boot and he won’t play again either this season.

“But both of them should be good to go by the beginning of pre-season so that is a big plus for us.”