Worcestershire have received encouraging news about the fitness of paceman Kyle Abbott and batsman Joe Clarke who could both return to action within the next few days.
South African bowler Abbott has been recovering from a sprained joint in the lower part of his foot which flared up in the home NatWest T20 Blast game against Lancashire.
But his condition has improved considerably after two weeks of intensive rehab and is being targeted for a potential return to action in Sunday's Royal London One-Day Cup match with the Red Rose County.
Clarke suffered a slight side strain when undertaking fielding practice ahead of last Friday's NatWest T20 Blast clash away to Derbyshire.
It ruled him out of the final two matches of the England Lions Tri-Series with Pakistan 'A' and Sri Lanka 'A' at Canterbury.
But he has also responded well to his rehab work and is in line to be in contention for the two-day game versus Pakistan beginning on Friday.
Worcestershire first team physiotherapist Ben Davies said: "Kyle had a joint sprain in the lower part of his foot. It flared up. His foot was swollen.
"We did some investigations and he had a scan, has done some intensive rehab for two weeks, and we are looking for him to return on Sunday.
"He said it is nice now that is settled that he can hit the crease again.
"With Joe, he injured himself throwing in the warm-up to the Derbyshire game in the T20. He felt it in his left hand side and we brought him off.
"It was touch and go whether we were going to manage him and get him through the game. We just decided it was in his best interests to miss that one.
"It was a real low grade side strain. Unfortunately he missed those Lions games but hopefully he will be fit for Friday against Pakistan. He has done really well with his rehab."
