WORCESTER Warriors are in “urgent” need of a new prop to bolster their ailing tighthead resources, according to boss Alan Solomons.

The search has stepped up another level after Farai Mudariki was ruled out for between four and six weeks with an ankle issue.

Mudariki joins the injury list that includes star scrummager Nick Schonert who faces up to three months on the sidelines after damaging knee ligaments.

The double blow leaves Warriors with just three specialist tightheads in Conor Carey, 28, Richard Palframan, 25, and Joe Morris, 21.

It is unlikely Warriors will be able to bring in a player that would effectively fill Schonert’s space in the squad before Saturday's Gallagher Premiership opener against Leicester Tigers at Sixways on (3pm).

But Solomons insisted the situation was “receiving urgent consideration” as he aims to snap up a prop as soon as possible.

Mudariki scored his first try for Warriors in the victory over Leicester in late September but then injured his ankle in training.

“What I think we are probably looking at with conservative treatment is another four to six weeks so Farai is out for a bit,” Solomons said.

“We have to give proper consideration (for a new prop) because we are sitting at the moment with three fit tightheads.”

Asked whether there was a chance Warriors could make a signing this week, Solomons said: “We will see how it goes.

“Obviously we have to give consideration to the fact that we are sitting with three at the moment so touch wood everyone is good.

“The matter is receiving urgent consideration.

“As soon as we have something of substance to report we will.

“But Conor and Richard did really well at the weekend.”

Last Saturday saw Carey wear the number three shirt before being replaced at half-time by Palframan in the 39-6 defeat at Wasps in the Premiership Cup.

Carey, who arrived from Connacht this summer, is expected to start against Leicester and scrum-half Michael Heaney has backed his old school pal to seize his chance.

“Conor is a big lad but has the skills to go with it,” Heaney said.

“He will be looking to get the basics right. It’s very important for front-row forwards to get the scrum and lineout right and then they can add those little bits after that.

“He is a good character as well. He will bring something different to Sharky (Schonert) and it’s important to have that variety in every position.

“I expect him to play a reasonable amount in all competitions and I have no doubt that when he gets an opportunity he will take it.”