England is set to be dealt a huge blow ahead of the second Test in Brisbane, with multiple reports indicating fast bowler Mark Wood will be ruled out due to concerns over his knee.

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Wood had been under an injury cloud ahead of the Perth Test after being sent for scans on his hamstring and while those came back clear, the 35-year-old is now dealing with an issue with his left knee.

He had only just returned from a nine-month layoff after undergoing surgery on that same left knee.

Wood missed the team’s first training session in Brisbane and while he has another four days of practice to prove his fitness, England is expected to take a cautious approach with its star bowler.

Wood is said to have stayed at the team hotel to rest while the remainder of the England side took part in an optional session at Allan Border Field.

With Wood unavailable, Josh Tongue — who is currently playing in the England Lions’ pink ball day/night match against the Australia PM’s XI side — is the most likely replacement to come in while Matthew Potts would be another option.

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Wood had not bowled in a competitive match since the Champions Trophy in February and while he had initially aimed to return for the fifth Test in England’s series against India, a setback delayed his comeback.

On that occasion, Wood reported swelling which later required fluid to be drained from his knee and while his career has been marred my numerous injuries, the 35-year-old said ahead of the Ashes that he was “quietly confident” his body would hold up.

“It was a frustrating summer,” Wood told the Wisden Cricket Weekly podcast.

“I didn’t get to play any cricket and my knee, at times when you think that you’re just about ready to play, it was not just quite there.

“I got knocked back a couple of times, but in the tent (training camp) it’s been going well. I’ve had the speed gun out and the pace is getting up there.

“The rehab hasn’t just been a straight curve, it’s been a bit up and down, but I’m in a good position now where i’m hoping to kick on for that game.

“I never want to give an answer where I say, ‘Yes, I’m pumped, I’m ready’. I’m in a confident place at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I’m quietly confident.”