LOCK Will Spencer has overcome a back problem and is expected to start against former club Bath at Sixways on Friday (7.45pm).

The giant second row was forced to pull out of Worcester Warriors’ trip to Saracens in the Aviva Premiership last Saturday due to the complaint.

And director of rugby Alan Solomons admitted Warriors “missed” Spencer’s physicality in the pack at the Allianz Park as they went down 46-31.

But Solomons said the 25-year-old was “absolutely fine” and should be ready to lock horns with some of his ex-teammates.

“Will had a little bit of a back problem and I think a lot of that was down to traveling over the Christmas period and going to see his family,” Solomons said.

“It would have been ill-advised to have played him in that game and I think we did the right thing.

“But he should be absolutely fine and good to go for Friday.

Spencer joined Bath’s academy in 2010 and went on to make 11 appearances for their first-team before arriving at Warriors in 2016.

The 6ft 7in forward has established himself as a key man for Worcester and scored in their 25-19 victory over Bath last term.

“The one player we missed against Saracens was Will,” Solomons said.

“That doesn’t mean the other lads didn’t step up but he is the cornerstone of our pack.

“He brings leadership qualities and is a very physical player.”

Darren Barry came in for Spencer while Sam Olver and Gareth Milasinovich replaced injured duo Jono Lance (hand) and Nick Schonert (ankle) respectively.

And Solomons said he was delighted with the way the trio performed against a star-studded Saracens side.

Warriors’ chief was also delighted to confirm his side came through unscathed from their battle with the defending European Champions Cup winners.

“The one thing the Saracens game presented was an opportunity to play against really top quality players,” Solomons said.

“You can take a little bit of a marker from that and I think Darren did very well on the day as did all the lads.

“It was a difficult game for us as there was a lot of pressure and expectation so you are going to have a little bit of a let-down after that.

“Saracens were also on an upward curve and were at home so when you look at all the circumstances I was pleased with the performance.”