PROP Ethan Waller is making “huge progress” after undergoing shoulder surgery according to Worcester Warriors boss Alan Solomons.

The 25-year-old front rower went under the knife following the conclusion of the 2017-18 campaign in May to repair a “labral tear”.

But Solomons said he was “reasonably optimistic” Waller would be fit for the opening game of the new Premiership season against Wasps at Sixways on Saturday, September 1.

The former Northampton Saints loosehead made 25 appearances in his first season at Warriors as he battled with Ryan Bower for the number one shirt.

“Ethan had a labral tear repaired but we are hoping – all things being equal – that he will be good to go for the first game,” Solomons said.

“He had (the operation) straight after the season.

“He has been doing very well and is actually making huge progress at the moment so we are reasonably optimistic about him.”

Waller is on the sidelines with centre Ben Te’o and wing Bryce Heem who both had operations on their quads.

Centre Wynand Olivier is also working his way back to full fitness after having surgery on his torn hamstring in January.

“(Waller, Te’o and Heem) are all doing fine,” Solomons said.

“Wynand is another one who had an op. We will just have to see how they all track and as one gets closer to the time we will get a clearer idea (of their fitness).”