WASIM Akram could be out of action until the middle of the month after because of a shoulder injury.

The Pakistan Test star was ruled out of their Championship game against Somerset at Taunton and looks likely to miss next week's home fixture with high-flying Kent.

That would mean Wasim has played in just one of the opening six matches, dealing Lancashire's hopes of mounting a serious title challenge a potentially fatal blow.

And nobody is more disappointed than Wasim himself.

Today he was facing more treatment on his problem bowling shoulder in Manchester and said: "It is one of the lowest points of my career. I am desperately unhappy about the situation, but at the moment there is nothing I can do except follow the instructions of the specialists.

"They have told me that my shoulder has weakened and that it needs strengthening, otherwise I could risk permanent damage which could affect me for the rest of my life.

"Obviously I can't take any risks. Neither can the club and we are all working hard to put things right as soon as possible. I know that the fans must be disappointed, and I would like to assure them that I can't wait to bowl again."

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