London, June 24: Australia all-rounder Shane Watson’s latest injury is not as bad as first feared, team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said on Wednesday.

The injury-prone Watson was ruled out of Australia’s Ashes tour opener against Sussex at Hove, starting on Wednesday, with what appeared to be a knee problem and his setback led to concerns that a 17th player would have to be summoned to England as cover.

But following a scan on Tuesday, Kountouris said, "Shane Watson had a scan on his left knee on Tuesday and it has confirmed a low-grade strain of one of his quadriceps muscle.

"We expect his injury should resolve fairly quickly, his return to play will be guided by progress made in the next few days."

Earlier, Australia captain Ricky Ponting admitted calling up an extra player was a possibility.

"We might have to do that," he said. "That’s what some of the discussion’s about, particularly if we happen to have a batter hurt," Ponting added.

— AFP