Graeme Swann and Tim Bresnan should be fit to face South Africa in the first Test, according to team director Andy Flower.
The bowling duo are both struggling with elbow injuries, but Flower is confident that they will recover in time for the series opener at The Oval.
He said: "Swann has a cortisone injection in his elbow and, with the combination of rest and the injection, he should be fit for the Test.
"They have had these ongoing elbow problems, both Swann and Bresnan. Our medical staff believe they will be fit and available for selection for the first Test.
"It's a strenuous exercise, being a bowler playing international cricket. They play all three forms of the game. So that's why Swann missed a big part of the one-day series and why we rested Bresnan on occasion."
England begin the three-match series as the number one ranked Test side in the world, one place ahead of their opponents.
Robert Summerscales
