Pakistan all rounder Abdul Razzaq is likely to miss next month's first Test against England because of an elbow injury.
"He has been advised rest and treatment for this elbow problem for two to three weeks. I don't think the chances of him playing in the first Test are good," coach Bob Woolmer said on Thursday.
Razzaq's injury comes as a big blow to Pakistan as they prepare to take on a confident England side fresh from their recent Ashes victory over Australia.
The first Test in Multan starts on November 12.
The 25-year-old Razzaq has played in 37 Tests and 196 one-day internationals.
He has taken 77 Test and 221 ODI wickets and scored 1,523 and 3,880 runs.
Woolmer said that Razzaq would start his treatment immediately and efforts would be made to nurse him back to fitness as soon as possible.
"He is a key player for us," said the coach.
Pakistan are also uncertain about the fitness of Shoaib Akhtar although Woolmer said the fast bowler looked good in a practice match in Lahore.
