England have been dealt a major blow ahead of the second Ashes Test, with fast bowler Mark Wood expected to sit out due to pain in his left knee — the same issue that kept him out of the entire home summer.

Wood skipped training on Saturday as England began preparing for the day-night Test at the Gabba. Team management does not believe he will recover in time for the match starting Thursday in Brisbane, though they remain hopeful he can return later in the series.

The 35-year-old’s fitness has been a key factor in England’s Ashes plans. His comeback at Headingley during the 2023 series completely changed the momentum in England’s favour. But injuries have continued to trouble him. After undergoing knee surgery in March, Wood missed the whole county season before making his way back to international cricket for the Australia tour.

Earlier this month, he also required scans for a hamstring concern during an intra-squad match in Perth. He then went wicketless in the opening Test, which England lost by eight wickets, although he still bowled with serious pace and struck Cameron Green on the helmet with a 150 km/h delivery.

England knew Wood wouldn’t be able to play all five Tests, but his presence — along with Jofra Archer’s — is considered essential for their Ashes campaign. England’s fast bowlers impressed during Australia’s first innings in Perth, taking a 40-run lead, but their pace dropped sharply the next day. Travis Head made full use of it, scoring a match-winning century.

Wood, who took 17 wickets on England’s last tour of Australia at an impressive average of 26.64, now faces uncertainty over his return.

With Wood likely out, England may turn to Josh Tongue or Matthew Potts for the pink-ball Test. Both are currently featuring for England against the Prime Minister’s XI. Potts picked up the wickets of Nathan McSweeney and Oliver Peake, both of whom had scored fifties. Tongue, meanwhile, impressed during the 2023 Ashes, taking key wickets at Lord’s including Khawaja, Warner, and Smith.

Another option is to strengthen the spin attack by selecting Shoaib Bashir or Will Jacks, though neither is involved in the warm-up game in Canberra.