Chris Woakes could miss the first two Tests against South Africa in July, due to a side strain which ruled him out of the Champions Trophy. 

The England all-rounder is expected to be out for four to six weeks, with the 28-year-old confirming that the six-week time period is more likely at this stage.

Speaking at a Chance to Shine event, Woakes confirmed his injury.

‘It’s a left side strain and there is a tear in the muscle,’ Woakes said at a Chance to Shine event.

‘It’s a grade-two injury, which is not terrible news, but it’s not great news at the same time.

‘They say it’s roughly a four- to six-week injury, and it’s more likely to be towards the six when I am back playing competitive cricket. I’m on day five of my recovery now, and the physios say for the first 10 to 14 days there’s not a lot we can do, other than rest it.

‘You don’t rule it out, but I’m probably up against it for the first Test. Sometimes these things heal quicker, sometimes they take longer, so we have to play it by ear.

‘It’s also one of those things you can’t rush back – if you do, it can just ping again. You have to make sure you’re right before you come back. The timing of it is frustrating, it’s terrible, but it’s one of those things.’

The Proteas will play England in a four-match Test series after the Champions Trophy, with the first Test starting at Lord’s on 6 July.