WORCESTER Warriors’ centre convert Alex Hearle will be out of action for between three and four months with a “nasty little” foot injury.

Hearle, who has recently moved from the wing to centre to provide back-up, sustained the blow nine minutes into the second half of last week’s Premiership Cup clash with Exeter Chiefs.

The academy ace who turns 21 next month underwent surgery to repair the injury and will be sidelined for a shorter period than was initially feared.

Director of rugby Alan Solomons said: “The specialist who did the operation is saying Alex will be out for between 12 to 16 weeks which means that he will be back during the season.

“I was very worried (he would be out for longer) but I am a lament.

“It’s lisfranc injury so what happens is where the bones of the foot meet the bones of the toes has come apart. It’s a nasty little injury.”

Hearle featured in Warriors’ opening three matches of the season, coming off the bench against Leicester Tigers and Bath and starting in the loss to Exeter.