Gloucester lose Hazell until 2010

Gloucester-born Hazell joined the club in 1997

Gloucester open-side flanker Andy Hazell has been ruled out until the new year after suffering a hamstring injury in the 28-23 loss to Sale Sharks.

The 31-year-old went off in the first half of the Guinness Premiership match on 30 October and will now undergo 12 weeks of rehabilitation on the injury.

Hazell admits it is a bad time to be out with the poor form his side are in.

"It just adds to the frustration as the boys are training hard to put things right," he told BBC Gloucestershire.

He added: "I'm just trying to channel all my energies into rehab and getting fit again."

I've been around the squad a long time and we're not far off it. It's just the small little things - when they come together we'll be OK Andy Hazell

Gloucester have won just three games in all competitions this season and are sat in 10th spot in the Premiership.

"We're not going to hide the fact that we haven't played as well as we can," said Hazell.

"I've been around the squad a long time and we're not far off it.

"It's just the small little things - when they come together we'll be OK."

Head coach Bryan Redpath will soon be able to welcome back three key players who have been out injured.

England full back Olly Morgan, prop Nick Wood and flanker Peter Buxton are returning to the squad.

All three will be available for selection by next week.