McRAE RECEIVES GOOD NEWS

The specialist, who has treated both Jonny Wilkinson and Phil Vickery in the past, has confirmed the Gloucester outside-half suffered a prolapsed disc against Ulster in the Heineken Cup a fortnight ago. He will be monitored this week and Kingsholm director of rugby Nigel Melville hopes he can return to training soon.

"There is no major structural damage, which is good news," said Melville. "He can move very well and can hopefully do limited training soon. The news is a lot more positive, which is very, very good indeed."

Of more immediate concern is the head injury suffered by Phil Vickery against Wasps on Friday night. The England prop is already a major doubt for Sunday's trip to Saracens and will undergo a Cogsport head examination this week.

"Vics suffered a big bang and also has a big split over his eye which is very nasty. He is doubtful for the weekend which is very disappointing for him because he is coming back really well," Melville said.

Melville has no immediate idea when any of Alex Brown, Olivier Azam, Terry Sigley or James Simpson-Daniel will be available for a return, but all four will be monitored this week.