SAM Burgess is hopeful George Williams and Josh Thewlis' absences from the Warrington Wolves side will not stretch beyond this week.

Half-back Williams and winger Thewlis were surprise absences from the Wire side that faced Salford Red Devils in their return to action following last weekend's Challenge Cup Final defeat, with forwards Lachlan Fitzgibbon (back) and Jordy Crowther (ankle) already ruled out.

They were sorely missed as Warrington slipped to a 25-14 defeat to make it three losses in a row in all competitions.

Williams missed the game with a calf problem, while a pectoral muscle issue kept Thewlis sidelined as Stefan Ratchford and Connor Wrench stepped into the side.

However, Burgess insists their absences were part of him taking "a longer-term view" over their fitness and he is confident both will be back in his side for next weekend's trip to Hull FC.

"George has just got a niggle and it was too much of a risk," he said.

"Josh Thewlis was a big miss as well but we’ve got to get back to the drawing board tomorrow morning.

"They’re not bad injuries, just niggly ones. They’ve been playing a lot of rugby in the last couple of months and if they’d played, there’s a risk they could do some longer-term damage.

"We thought it was smart to play it longer-term with them but they should be ready for next week hopefully."

News of injuries to the pair will also concern England head coach Shaun Wane, with Williams certain to be in his plans for the mid-season Test match against France in a fortnight's time while some excellent early-season form could see Thewlis in contention for a senior debut for his country.

When asked about their potential fitness for that game, however, Burgess' reply was curt.

He said: "I’m not interested in that England game. It’s last on my priority list."