THERE is growing concern that Worcester Warriors' Melani Nanai could be about to spend yet more time on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury during the 61-29 defeat at Saracens.

Nanai came on at half-time on Boxing Day but lasted a matter of minutes before going down injured in the build up to Francois Venter's first try.

The Samoan former Super Rugby man stepped off his wing as he looked to escape down the wide channel, but seemed to cause himself more damage than good in doing so.

He was down for a few minutes and tried to carry on but was eventually pulled off and was later seen after the game being carried to the changing rooms by two members of the Worcester medical staff.

Nanai spent the majority of 2021 out with a torn hamstring he picked up in January that was followed by an Achilles issue sustained against London Irish at the start of this current campaign.

He was set to return in December but a positive Covid test ended those hopes ans now after just ten minutes of action, it looks likely he will now spend even more time out.

"Really gutted for Melani, he just has no luck," said head coach Jonathan Thomas.

"He only recently came back from having Covid and yeah he has stepped off his wing and it (his knee) looks pretty nasty .

"Hopefully it's not too bad but I really feel for him."