Prop Paul James has backed Bath Rugby's back-up hooker contingent to step up to the plate if – as expected – they are called into action for the Aviva Premiership play-off decider at Harlequins.
Both Bath's first-choice hookers suffered injuries in the 19-19 draw against Northampton Saints last Friday and could now miss the trip to The Stoop.
Rob Webber is definitely out after falling victim to a knee problem at The Rec. The five-cap international now looks likely to miss the remainder of the campaign and England's summer tour to New Zealand.
Ross Batty was also forced off with a shoulder problem against Saints and is a big doubt this weekend.
Bath still have Argentina's Eusebio Guinazu to call upon, although the Pumas international has featured in just five Premiership matches this term, all off the bench.
Academy hooker Tom Dunn could also get the nod – but only if he is cleared of a citing picked up for an incident while on loan at London Scottish earlier this season.
Welshman James is one of the most experienced scrummagers in the Premiership and brought up a half-century of international caps during the RBS 6 Nations earlier this season.
James, who turns 32 next week, said: "There are two more hookers in the squad and the coaches have told everyone they've got to be ready to go if they are called in.
"There's no doubt in my mind those boys will be ready and be really pumped up for it.
"Seb is an Argentine international hooker, so there are no problems there if he has to play against Quins. He will just step in and everyone will be more than happy alongside him.
"We've just turned up to training this week and regrouped, ready to get on with it. We pull tight as a group when the going gets tough and we'll just keep at it."
Prop Nathan Catt stepped in as a makeshift hooker for Bath in the closing stages against Saints at The Rec but head coach Mike Ford says that is not an option this weekend.
"I thought Nathan did a really good job scrummaging-wise but when it comes to lineouts I think we need a specialist hooker so we've got our throwing sorted," said Ford.
"It's been a squad all year that's done well, not just the 15 who have played. We've got still got Eusebio if Ross doesn't make it and if it's Dunny that has to come in we're not bothered by that either.
"And we've also got someone like Tom Woolstencroft, who has come on wonderfully with the Academy this year.
"We will deal with it. You always need a little bit of luck with injuries but the good thing about us is that we've trained the same all year. If someone has to step in there's nothing new they'll need to learn."
There is some good news for Bath, however, and South African flanker Francois Louw could be fit to return after missing the last six matches.
Springbok international suffered an ankle injury in Bath's Premiership win at London Irish in March but is back in training this week.
Ford said: "Francois will train with us on Thursday. We've delayed selection until the end of this week. He will have a fitness test after that but I'd hope he'd be very close to making it."
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
