Chris Tremlett has been ruled out for the rest of England's Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates due to a back injury.
Concerns were raised over the pace bowler's fitness ahead of the second Test with captain Andrew Strauss revealing he was in some discomfort.
"He had a sore back and side yesterday and he's going to have to bowl today before we know if he's fit or not," said Strauss.
"There is some general stiffness and soreness there, so it's a case of whether it's loosened up."
However, Tremlett's injury is now worse than initially feared and it has been confirmed that the 30-year-old will return home for treatment.
A statement on the ECB website read: "Chris Tremlett has been ruled out of the remainder of the Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates with a recurrence of a lower back injury.
"Surrey paceman Tremlett, who featured in last week’s opening match in Dubai, will return to the UK immediately for the injury to be assessed before a course of treatment is agreed."
Tremlett, who's exit from the Pakistan series has given spinner Monty Panesar the opportunity to stake his claim for the second Test, wrote on his Twitter page: “Gutted to be going home early from the tour but hopefully get the back sorted out quickly. Thanks for all the kind messages."
