WORCESTER will continue to play a waiting game on skipper Pat Sanderson's fitness for their crunch Guinness Premiership clash against Leeds Carnegie.

Former England captain Sanderson went off nursing a 'stinger' injury to his arm and shoulder during the 24-20 home loss to Wasps last weekend.

But he will be given as long as possible to try to recover for a game Worcester must win on Sunday - or face relegation.

"Pat is still sore with his stinger injury and a few guys are carrying bumps and bruises, which is typical of this time of year,’’ said Warriors rugby director, former Wales and Newport Gwent Dragons coach Mike Ruddock.

"Nothing has been decided on Pat. He doesn't go off in games very often, and you literally have to drag him off.

"But he has settled down, and if he comes through training and the team run then he is fit to play.

"We want Pat there, but we have leaders in the team and (full-back) Chris Latham would look to take over the captaincy, as he is officially our vice-captain at the club.

"We are hoping Pat is going to be fine, and my instincts are he will be fine.

"But if he had to drop out, then we have people who can step up to the mark and make good decisions at the right time.’’ Worcester have enjoyed six successive seasons in the Premiership, but they are currently five points adrift of 11th-placed Sale Sharks with just two games left. Sale host Newcastle on Friday night.