WORCESTER Warriors’ injury problems have been increased after suffering a double blow in their 41-10 defeat to Exeter Chiefs.

Fly-half Tom Heathcote sustained a bang to the head before hooker Jack Singleton damaged his shoulder at the end of the first half.

Heathcote, who was struggling with a neck problem heading into the match, lasted just 13 minutes before being forced off.

Director of rugby Gary Gold said: “Tom didn’t pass his HIA (head injury assessment) so we couldn’t put him back on the field.”

Heathcote missed most of last season due to concussion and there were fears he had suffered a third head injury in less than a year in last Sunday’s 24-10 loss to Wasps.

After it was later confirmed the 25-year-old had passed his HIA, he was given the go-ahead to play against Exeter. But his evening was cut short, with Sam Olver coming on in his place.

There are also concerns over Singleton who did not return for the second half after injuring his shoulder moments before the break.

The 21-year-old now looks set to have a scan to find out the extent of the damage.

But Gold does not expect either Singleton or Heathcote to be available for Warriors’ clash with Gloucester at Kingsholm next Friday (7.45pm).

“It’s a little bit of a longer turnaround for the Gloucester game,” he added.

“It is not going to be easy at Kingsholm, but we will assess things on Monday.

“I assume we have lost Jack and Tom now, so when it rains it pours.”