Jofra Archer will work on his rehab with Sussex after his injury woes continued.
The England fast bowler has returned home from the Indian Premier League, putting his summer Ashes hopes in doubt.
Mumbai Indians announced tiday that Archer’s England team-mate - and great friend - Chris Jordan will take his place in their ranks after the former left the IPL last month to have a minor procedure on his right elbow.
Archer's latest rehabilitation period means the 28-year-old Sussex star faces a fitness battle to participate in the Ashes, with the first Test against Australia starting at Edgbaston on June 16.
An ECB statement added: “Archer has been recovering from right elbow surgery. However, pushing through the discomfort whilst recently playing, hoping it will settle, has proven challenging. Therefore, it has been agreed for him to return to the UK for a period of rest and rehabilitation to give him the best opportunity for a full recovery.
“The ECB would like to thank the Mumbai Indians for their support and cooperation during this time.
“Archer will return to the UK this week and will work on his rehab with the ECB medical department and Sussex County Cricket Club, respectively.”
England’s medical team have been working closely with their counterparts in Mumbai, with Archer still only a few months into his comeback following stress fractures to his elbow and then his back.
Sussex indicated ahead of the county season that Archer may not play any first-class cricket for them before the Ashes, and the difference in workload between T20 and Test cricket is stark.
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