SCRUM-half Francois Hougaard has returned to full training as he gears up for Worcester Warriors’ clash with Harlequins at Sixways on Saturday (3pm).

The fit-again 30-year-old has been out of action for the past two months due to an ankle problem and his long-awaited return will be a big boost for Warriors in their efforts to secure survival.

But the good news has been tempered by an injury to lock Will Spencer who looks set to miss Worcester’s final home game of the Aviva Premiership season.

Director of rugby Alan Solomons said he was “not optimistic” Spencer would be available for selection after suffering a blow to his toe.

Solomons confirmed the 25-year-old aggravated “some old fractures” in his toe in Warriors’ 30-15 loss at Wasps two weeks ago.

“He has got a problem underneath one of his toes and that may keep him out,” Solomons said.

“He picked up that injury in the Wasps game.

“He has got some old fractures there which have been disturbed.

“We have got to look at it and take it a week at a time, but I am not optimistic about him being available for this weekend.”

With Spencer likely to be ruled out, retiring club captain Donncha O’Callaghan is expected to come back into the starting line-up.

The 39-year-old who has not featured for Worcester since early March will bring the curtain down on his 20-year career against Quins.

But Solomons said Anton Bresler would be in the mix for the two second row spots after recovering from a calf problem which has kept him out since the 22-9 defeat to London Irish in late February.

Warriors chief also revealed 30-year-old Bresler had been further boosted the arrival of his first child this week.

“Anton should be back into consideration which should be useful,” Solomons said.

“Other than that we are pretty much working with what we have had in the past so there is nobody else who should not be available.

“Bressy is back and in full training. His wife gave birth on Monday to a little baby boy which is fantastic news for them.

“He is certainly in buoyant spirits as one would imagine.”

Hougaard has been busy working his way back to full fitness since hobbling off at the end of the first half of Worcester’s battle with Irish.

The last time the former South Africa international came back from a long lay-off was in November and it coincided with a victory over Northampton Saints.

Solomons will be hoping he can make a similar impact as Worcester who are nine points above bottom club Irish bid to beat the drop.

“Francois has been in full training the whole week which is very positive,” Solomons said.

“I am optimistic about it and I am positive he is going to be available.”