Muttiah Muralitharan may not play a single Test in the forthcoming three-match series against England, admitted Sri Lankan coach DavWhatmore.

Muralitharan, Sri Lanka's key bowler, had already been ruled out of next month's first Test at Lord's, after tearing shoulder ligaments while fielding against Pakistan in the Sharjah Cup final on April 17.

He is expected to join up with the rest of the side in approximately two weeks' time, following treatment in Australia.

"It's not something that we can say, that he will definitely be here in England," said Whatmore. "We really don't know. It's not something that's clear cut."

Muralitharan will wear a special sling for four weeks after an operation, which would have required at least three months recovery time, was ruled out by surgeons.

In 73 Tests Muralitharan has taken 412 wickets and Whatmore had earlier claimed, in an exclusive interview with Wisden.com, that Sri Lanka's series had been scheduled early in the English season to neutralise the spinner's threat.

Now, talking to reporters at Shenley Cricket Centre where his team had been undergoing a net session, Whatmore said Muralitharan's absence was a chance for Sri Lanka to show they were not "just a one-bowler team".

Back in 1998, Muralitharan took 9 for 65 in an innings on his way to match figures of 16 for 220, as Sri Lanka beat England in a one-off Test at The Oval.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd