Flintoff has been in good form with the ball

The all-rounder had a pain-killing jab after suffering a stiff knee in India's series-levelling win on Friday and was not risked in Monday's 42-run victory.

However, Collingwood said: "He had a bit of stiffness behind the knee but we hope he will be back on Thursday."

Dimitri Mascarenhas should also return after missing the win with a hurt hand.

The Hampshire all-rounder sustained the knock in practice moments before the start of the match, but Collingwood said early indications were that it was not serious.

Flintoff has just returned after a third ankle operation, and has responded well to treatment on his knee.

The Lancashire star made a superb return in the first two of the seven one-day internationals against India.

He bowled at 92mph in the opening match at the Rose Bowl and then claimed his first five-wicket haul in one-day internationals in the narrow defeat on Friday.

But with the ICC World Twenty20 due to start on 11 September, England do not want to take any chances on the 29-year-old's fitness.

Coach Peter Moores insisted Flintoff's latest injury was not connected with his troublesome left ankle and more to do with the step up in intensity.

"The ankle seems to be great and he's had no pain from it at all - as much as anything, when you play an international game the intensity level goes up," he said on Sunday.