FULL-BACK Chris Pennell is likely to be passed fit for Worcester Warriors’ European Challenge Cup trip to Wales to face Dragons on Friday (8pm).

But director of rugby Alan Solomons revealed there were several players that suffered knocks in last Saturday’s win over the Welsh outfit that would not be risked for the return fixture.

With Perry Humphreys (ankle) sidelined and Tom Howe at his brother’s wedding Pennell had to be drafted in on the wing only to last just 13 minutes before going off for a head injury assessment.

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But Solomons said Pennell was progressing “nicely” and was due to feature at Rodney Parade as Warriors bid to overtake Dragons at the top of Pool One.

“Chris is going very well so I am pretty optimistic,” Solomons said.

“There are various stages and you have got to pass each stage. He is doing nicely.

“He should be (fit) if he keeps passing the tests. He is a clever boy, so I think he’ll pass them.

“It would be good for him (to have more game-time) as he only had 15 minutes.

“Tommy is back and Pezza practised today. He has come through this afternoon’s session so he should be fine.”

But fly-half Jamie Shillcock (ankle), centre Ollie Lawrence (ankle), hooker Matt Moulds (dead leg) and back-rower Tom Dodd (ribs) have all been ruled out after suffering injuries against Dragons.

“Ollie’s ankle has just puffed up a little bit but we have got to be careful so I would rather not risk him if it doesn’t appear right,” Solomons said.

“The same applies with Mouldsy and Shilly. None of them look serious so I am pretty positive but I am not going to be silly about it.

“There’s not point rushing them. It would be ill-advised at this point to do that.

“It was reasonably physical (on Saturday) and I dare say it will be a lot more physical at Rodney Parade.”