A SICKNESS bug has swept through the Gloucester squad this Christmas – but is not expected to ravage tomorrow's Leicester Tigers clash.
Captain Jim Hamilton and full-back Rob Cook are among those who were laid low.
But both men are over the short illness, and Gloucester boss Nigel Davies does not expect any big problem on his team sheet this weekend.
Skipper Hamilton has had a finger problem checked out too, but should recover in time for tomorrow's Welford Road battle.
Outside-back duo Jonny May and Henry Trinder meanwhile could make a playing return in the next fortnight.
Gloucester rugby director Davies explained: "Jim Hamilton, Rob Cook and a couple of others had a sickness bug, but I don't expect that to cause us too many problems for the weekend.
"Jim has a problem with his finger and he has had that looked at, but hopefully that will be okay too."
Outside centre Trinder had targeted the Christmas period for a return, and is now closing in on full fitness.
Speed king May's troublesome knee ligament damage is starting to relent, and Davies said there ought to be good news on both men soon.
He continued: "Henry and Jonny are both taking part in our rugby sessions, albeit not full-contact, but it's only a matter of weeks for both of them.
"Jonny's running on it now, he's reasonably comfortable.
"If everything goes to plan then in the next couple of weeks both should be available to play.
"Jonny's been understandably frustrated with his progress, as we all have, but sometimes these things happen."
