Kevin Pietersen is likely to miss England's tour to South Africa this November, as his chances of becoming match fit are remote.
Team director Andy Flower has conceded that KP may not be named in the England touring squad to be announced after the Champions Trophy.
Pietersen, who has undergone right Achilles tendon surgery, was ruled out of the final three Tests of the Ashes series.
The initial hope was that he would be out of action for only six weeks, but now, his recuperation could take as long as four months.
"We're not sure whether he's going to be fit or not. With the infection that he got initially and the subsequent lack of healing that has taken place since then, he had quite a horrible wound after the infection had taken hold. We're still taking it day by day," The Times quoted Flower, as saying.
England had originally intended to name the squads to tour South Africa on Wednesday, but the announcement has been delayed until England's involvement in the Champions Trophy ends.
