Worcestershire CCC skipper Joe Leach is on target to return to full training when the players report back for their winter programme in November.
Leach has been side-lined since early June with a stress fracture of the back and played only five Championship matches this summer.
But the 27-year-old has made a successful start to his rehabilitation programme.
Worcestershire Head Of Sports Science and Medicine Ben Davies confirmed: “Joe picked up a stress fracture of his back in June. He has made a real good start to his rehab with no pain at all.
“He is doing bike work, cross-trainer work, circuits in the gym.
“He is progressing exactly how we want him to do. He will join in full training with the lads in November.”
Leach was Worcestershire’s leading wicket-taker for the 2015, 2016 and 2017 campaigns with a combined tally of 193 Championship wickets in that period – 59, 65 and 69 respectively.
County batsman Josh Dell, who signed his first professional contract with the County earlier this summer, has undergone surgery for a dislocated shoulder.
Dell suffered the setback while playing Birmingham League cricket for Ombersley towards the end of the season.
Davies said: “Josh had an op on his shoulder last week and we expect him to be fit in three months time. By January time, he will be fully fit.”
