Andrew Flintoff's arthroscopy on his left ankle may have gone well but the talismanic all-rounder looks doubtful for the Test series against India starting next month.
The England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement that Friday's operation went well but Flintoff is unlikely to play before the end of the summer.
"Andrew Flintoff has undergone an exploratory arthroscopy on his injured left ankle. Early signs are that the operation was routine and Andrew will begin his rehabilitation accordingly following successful removal of tissue contributing to anterior impingement in the ankle," the statement said.
"Andrew will require a programme of strengthening and proprioceptive work before he can start to return to training and bowling. It is anticipated that he will aim to return to playing cricket before the end of the summer," it added.
India is scheduled to play a three-match Test series in England, starting on July 19, followed by a seven-match ODI series, the first of which would be played at Southampton on August 21.
