Australia are confident that Michael Clarke will be fit for the start of the Ashes this summer despite injuring his lower back.
The 31-year-old, who missed his country's fourth Test with India, will spend up to 10 weeks on the sidelines after a scan revealed spinal issues.
However, Cricket Australia are certain that Clarke will return by July in time to prepare for the Ashes series with England.
"Michael Clarke had scans that confirmed his current lower back injury is an exacerbation of previous issues he has had with his spine," said chief medical officer Justin Paolini. "As always, we need to manage this carefully as there are potentially serious consequences with further aggravation.
"He still has pain with basic activities and is not back to full function as yet. He also has a hamstring injury that has been a concern for most of the summer and will complicate his return.
"Michael is having intensive rehabilitation for both his back and hamstring but is still 7-10 weeks away from returning to training and playing. We are confident that it will not affect his Ashes preparation but will know more over the coming weeks."
Clarke will miss the Indian Premier League and is doubtful for the ICC Champions Trophy.
