Holmes has struggled to shake off a calf problem

The Commonwealth 1500m title holder limped away from a race in Madrid on Sunday with her left leg bandaged having pulled up after two laps.

Initial impressions suggested the calf problem Holmes has been carrying this summer might dash her world title hopes.

But she said on Tuesday: "I hope to be back on the track doing some light training on Thursday or Friday.

"It seems I have some strained muscle fibres in my calf and they are not responding to treatment.

"I felt a compression during the second lap of the race in Madrid and decided it would be wiser to pull out in case I caused any serious damage."

Precaution

Holmes only began her competitive season less than a fortnight ago because of the problem, but insisted it has not affected her preparations for Paris.

"I made my fastest-ever beginning to an outdoor season in Rome and I'm confident that I will get even better before the Worlds," she added.

However, Holmes misses the Norwich Union British Trials and AAA Championships in Birmingham this weekend as a precaution.

Her withdrawal means four potential world medallists will be absent from the three-day meeting at the Alexander Stadium.

Jonathan Edwards, the 2001 triple jump champion, has an automatic right to defend his title and misses the meeting with a back injury.

European 10,000m champion Paula Radcliffe never planned to compete with her schedule beginning at the London Grand Prix.

Ashia Hansen, winner of gold in both the Commonwealth and European triple jump last year, is still recovering from knee surgery and also misses out.