Australia [ Images ] all-rounder Shane Watson [ Images ] is likely to be available for this year's Ashes series in England [ Images ] after his injured groin was deemed less serious than initially feared.

Holders Australia will announce their squad for the July-September series next week with Watson expected to be included in the side.

The Queenslander's participation was cast in doubt after he picked up the injury in the recent limited-overs series against Pakistan but tests revealed the problem was only a minor one.

"Scans have confirmed a minor right groin injury to Shane and we expect him to be fit to play in (next month's) ICC [ Images ] World Twenty20 [ Images ]," Australian team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said in a statement on Wednesday.

"He'll be monitored over the coming weeks and is expected to be available for consideration for Ashes selection."