BOTH of Dean Ryan's first choice props are facing a fight to be fit for the Heineken Cup opener against Biarritz on Saturday.

Nick Wood (groin) and Carlos Nieto (back) are struggling with injuries, forcing the Gloucester head coach to look at other options in the front row for the biggest game so far this season.

Alasdair Dickinson has been the best of the rest when asked to deputise in recent games, including a strong shift in the loose against Wasps on Saturday, while new signing Dave Young has also been given game time.

Ryan is hoping at least one of his front liners will be fit to play.

"We are giving them as much time as possible," he said. "I think it's unlikely we'll get both. We hope we get one.

"Alasdair Dickinson has gone well over the last couple of weeks, so we can see where we go from there."

Anthony Allen and Matthew Watkins are also both unavailable, meaning Olly Barkley is likely to move across and play alongside Mike Tindall, after a stint at fly-half against Newcastle.

That means one of Ryan Lamb or Willie Walker will come in at 10, with Walker the favourite after getting the shirt more often recently.

Meanwhile, Luke Narraway is set to make a welcome return to the number eight slot after missing the Wasps game partly due to a hamstring injury and partly because he had to have a rest day under the terms of the elite player agreement.

Narraway said: "I injured my hamstring against Newcastle, but it doesn't seem as serious as was first thought.

"I went to see the specialist and had an injection to help things speed up.

"I've been working hard with Bob (Stewart) and the physio team. They've done a real good job."

His return will be most welcome in the back row, where injuries to Gareth Delve, Akapusi Qera and James Forrester have stretched things, forcing Ryan to hand a debut to Fijian Apo Satala against Wasps, while Alasdair Strokosch was played out of position at number eight.

Andy Hazell and Peter Buxton are the only other back row forwards fit and available.