SECOND row Michael Fatialofa is “not far off” from being ready for action, according to Worcester Warriors head coach Rory Duncan.

The 6ft 6in forward has yet to make his Warriors debut since arriving from New Zealand at the start of last month.

Duncan said Fatialofa who has recently been registered to play in the European Challenge Cup in place of the injured Cornell du Preez would not be available for tomorrow night’s trip to Pau (7pm GMT) as he continues to get “up to speed”.

But he admitted there was a chance the 26-year-old who has played for Hurricanes in Super Rugby and Auckland in the Mitre10 Cup already this year could turn out at Sixways next Saturday when the French side visit Worcester.

“Fatialofa is not far off from being ready,” Duncan said.

“He came over after quite a heavy competition in New Zealand so there has been a bit of process in terms of getting him up to speed.

“But I anticipate that in the next week or two he will be up and running.”

Duncan confirmed captain Gerrit-Jan van Velze was still overcoming a shoulder injury sustained in Worcester’s 36-16 defeat at Gloucester last Saturday.

But he admitted Warriors could be boosted by the return of van Velze and back rower Marco Mama who is nursing a hamstring problem for next week’s home clash with Pau.

“GJ’s medical is ongoing,” Duncan said.

“He just took a bang on the shoulder so from what we understand at this stage he would be alright for the next block of Premiership games, possibly even next week.

“Marco is on the road to recovery.

“I think we will see Marco on the pitch again within the next week or two.”

Alafoti Fa’osiliva is expected to comeback from a calf injury to tackle Pau and feature in a back row that is likely to include Matti Williams.

The 27-year-old was forced off in Warriors’ loss at Gloucester following a blow to his neck.

“Matti went off with a stinger but he is available for selection this week,” Duncan said.

“He has trained with us for the full week and has done all the contact sessions as well.”

Duncan is also waiting to see whether Carl Kirwan would be passed fit to face Pau.

The injury-plagued flanker has not featured for Warriors in two years due to shoulder problems and a hamstring issue.

“He is running with the team at the moment and has been looking good in training,” Duncan added.