NUMBER eight Cornell du Preez is preparing to play in his first match for Worcester Warriors since suffering a “horrific” throat injury on the opening day of the season.

Director of rugby Alan Solomons said du Preez was “ready to be selected” ahead of Saturday’s European Challenge Cup quarter-final against Harlequins (8.15pm).

The 28-year-old has been battling back from a fractured larynx sustained in Warriors’ home defeat to Wasps on September 1.

Having worked with du Preez for many years Solomons knew the Scotland international had the strength of character to return to action.

However Solomons felt it was a “bridge too far” for the forward to launch a comeback this season.

“It was a horrific injury,” Solomons said.

“You are guided by the specialists as it’s something that is rarely seen in rugby.

“But he is fortunate that he is in a country where there are fantastic hospital facilities and outstanding specialists and doctors.

“He has had first-class treatment. He is a fit young guy and seems to have recovered pretty well.”

Du Preez who joined Warriors from Edinburgh last summer injured his throat when he crashed into Wasps lock Joe Launchbury’s knee.

He was then rushed to hospital where he underwent surgery and spent a month unable to speak as he started his long road to recovery.

“I have coached Cornell since he was around 19 or 20 and he is as tough as nails,” Solomons said.

“That ankle injury he suffered at Edinburgh (in 2014) was horrendous as his foot was disconnected from his leg.

“When the physio came up to him Cornell said ‘I think I have got a problem with my ankle’. He wasn’t hopping up and down.

“This (throat injury) was an unfortunate accident but it was horrific.

“He is a very, very hard man.”

After starting work in the gym to get back into shape du Preez returned to full training earlier this month and is now targeting a place in the team.

“He has not shied away from the contact,” Solomons said.

“He has got into it and it does not seem to have bothered him.”

On selection for Warriors’ battle with Quins, Solomons added: “Cornell is ready to be selected to play rugby.

“We have got to sit down and select the team but he will be available for selection.”

Marco Mama has impressed at number eight since taking the place of Gerrit-Jan van Velze who is not expected to run out until May due to a fractured arm.

But Solomons said it was not Mama’s natural position and du Preez was more suited to the role.

“As GJ is out it is really good to have Cornell back,” Solomons said.

“It is a positive thing as there are still a number of games to go this season.

“Cornell is a pukka number eight.

“Marco is a six that can play seven and eight whereas Cornell is an eight that can play at six and seven.”