Rana Naved could still play in Sussex's top-of-the-table Championship clash against Lancashire next week.

The 28-year-old suffered a groin strain bowling against Middlesex in the current Championship match on Thursday but a scan yesterday revealed no serious damage.

He will definitely miss tomorrow's C&G Trophy game against Kent at Tunbridge Wells.

But cricket manager Mark Robinson has not ruled him out of the Lancashire game at Liverpool, which starts next Tuesday.

Robinson said: "The scan didn't show up anything, which is a relief, so he might still be okay for Tuesday.

"But we have to be very careful.

"We won't be rushing him back because in fairness to Pakistan they have been very accomodating in allowing him to stay with us while their training camp is on.

"We won't risk him aggravating the injury."

Sussex are close to finalising a deal with Rana's replacement Yasir Arafat.

The 24-year-old will play for the seconds against Yorkshire next week while James Kirtley will make his first Championship appearance of the season against Lancashire if Rana is ruled out.

The county are on course to extend their lead at the top of the first division. Middlesex, needing 481 to win, will resume today on 131-5.

In Rana's absence, Luke Wright took the new ball with Jason Lewry and both men had two wickets by the close.

Meanwhile, wicketkeeper Andrew Hodd and seamer Tim Linley have been added to the squad for tomorrow's C&G Trophy game against Kent at Tunbridge Wells (10.45am).

Victory for Sussex, who have won all five games in the south conference so far, could potentially leave them within one win of reaching their first Lord's final since 1993.