LONDON, May 9: A back problem has thrown England all-rounder Paul Collingwood's participation in next week's first Test against New Zealand into doubt.

With England due to announce their squad on Sunday, one-day captain Collingwood was also set to have an injection designed to help him cope with an ongoing problem with his right shoulder.

England also have a worry over wicket-keeper Tim Ambrose, who was unable to play for his county, Warwickshire, on Friday because of a stiff neck.

An England spokesman admitted it was Collingwood who was giving greatest cause for concern.

“Paul has received treatment for stiffness in his lower back and a sore right shoulder,” he said. “He will continue to receive treatment and be reassessed over the next 48 hours.”

Collingwood, 31, would be an integral part of any plans to field Andrew Flintoff in a four-man attack in the series opener.

Although Flintoff is deemed fully fit following a fourth ankle operation, England would not want to bowl him into the ground and Collingwood could supplement the attack with half-a-dozen to 10 overs a day.

England are likely to select Flintoff for his form with the ball as he bids to play his first Test since the final 2006-07 Ashes defeat.—AFP