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Andrew Flintoff has suffered an early setback in his long rehabilitation from knee problems after being diagnosed with minor deep vein thrombosis in his right calf.
The all-rounder underwent knee surgery on 24 August -the day after England regained the Ashes - and this problem has arisen as a result of the operation.
Although the England & Wales Cricket Board insist the condition "will not complicate Flintoff's recovery from surgery", it is a development England captain Andrew Strauss could have done without, as he hopes to have Flintoff available for limited-overs action next summer.
DVT happens when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, and occurs most commonly in the calf. Someone who - like Flintoff - has recently had a knee operation is more susceptible to the condition.
Strauss said: "Having an operation like that is a big enough tribulation in itself, so this news is not good to hear.
"He has a lot of rehab ahead, so he doesn't need it to be slowed down in any way. I hope the treatment will go according to plan."
Yet Strauss would have been cheered by the sight of Joe Denly walking around Lord's yesterday, less than a week after he suffered a knee injury while playing football.
The Kent batsman is now off crutches and could still feature in the NatWest Series.
