DIRECTOR of rugby Gary Gold says there are “no short-term plans” to boost Worcester Warriors’ squad before the transfer deadline closes this week.

But the former South Africa assistant coach will investigate whether Warriors can “fast-track” any injured players into Aviva Premiership action.

Scrum-half Jonny Arr (neck) is close to returning after injury, while Chris Pennell (heel) has resumed training this week along with props Ryan Grant (back) and Val Rapava Ruskin (back).

Hooker Niall Annett is training after his ankle operation but hooker Jack Singleton (knee) will be sidelined for between eight and 12 weeks.

“Unfortunately, Friday is the cut-off point for players coming in and there are no short-term plan for us to bring anybody in,” explained Gold.

“One of the compensations is possibly having a look at the rehab programmes of the guys who are injured and seeing whether we can fast-track them.

“If we can, I am sure we can put a lot of time and attention into players who are returning and we just have to hope for a little bit of luck that some big-name players are going to return in time.”

Gold added: “Jonny Arr is not far from coming back and I think he’s a quality player. Hopefully, he won’t be away for too much longer.”

Asked whether he would look at the academy lad playing a part in the run-in, Gold replied: “Young Cleggy (Justin Clegg) is injured but I’ve been impressed with (Andrew) Kitchener.

“Jack Singleton has come through there but I will definitely have a look at the younger guys and see if they can step up to the plate.”