JACK Manuel and Jack Shantry are both due back in the UK this weekend after injuries curtailed their spells in Australia.

The Worcestershire duo have spent most of the winter Down Under and were not due back at New Road until next month.

However, England under 19 batsman Manuel has dislocated his shoulder, while left-arm seamer Shantry has picked up a knee injury.

Although New Road assistant coach Damian D’Oli-veira is hopeful Shantry, who is set to arrive in England today, will be OK for the new campaign, he is more concerned about Manuel.

“We have got Jack Manuel booked in for scans and to see a specialist on Monday,” D’Oliveira said. “But the main worry is that he is struggling to find a flight so we don’t actually know if he’ll be back in time.

“Until he’s seen a specialist we just don’t know how long he is going to be out for — it could be up to 12 weeks.”

Manuel, who has been playing for Western Australian side Joondalup, injured his shoulder while swimming.

Shantry has been playing for Campbelltown-Camden in Sydney and sustained his injury in a match last week.

Last season’s leading wicket-taker in all competitions then tried to train on the Monday with his grade side before taking the decision to return home.

Shantry said: “I want to make sure I’m fit for the start of the season, so hopefully this is nothing too seriously wrong.”

D’Oliveira added. “We have not booked any scans or visits to a consultant for Jack Shantry yet.

“Until we’ve had a look at him we don’t know the extent of the injury, but fingers crossed it isn’t too bad.”