Worcestershire head coach Alan Richardson has urged all-rounder Joe Leach to remain patient as he faces even more injury issues.

Leach, who has been the Pears' leading strike bowler for the last decade, has had a knee injection, which will determine his ability to participate in the final block of Vitality Championship matches.

Worcestershire have five Championship matches remaining in August and September.

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Richardson said he is aware that Leach "is desperate to get out there and play", comparing the injury return to that of club captain Brett D'Oliveira's, with his frozen shoulder.

But Richardson reinforced a patient approach is needed, saying it is a case of "wait and see".

Richardson said: "Joe has had an injection and we are waiting to see what effect that has.

"He’ll possibly be back for the block of games at the end of the season.

"The injection has had an effect of sorts.

"Fingers crossed it is a good effect and he can be available for the last games as well but we will see how that sits".

He added: "We are going to have to be patient.

"We know Joe is another one who is desperate to get out there but we will have to bide our time."

Despite recovering from knee surgery in January and not yet being fully match-fit after catching up with pre-season work, Leach has played in seven of the eight Championship matches this summer.

He has managed to take 14 wickets so far and moved past the 450 work in first-class cricket for Worcestershire during this tenure.