Skipper Michael Vaughan flew to Multan with the rest of his England team-mates still in the dark about his future on the tour to Pakistan. Vaughan is a major injury concern after twisting his right knee on Monday.
England could make an announcement later on Wednesday regarding Saturday's first Test although Vaughan's chances of playing are said to be slim.
The injury is similar to the one which ruled him out of the first Test against New Zealand in the summer of 2004.
He may also have torn cartilage in the joint which had already been repaired in an operation in 2002.
BBC reporter Joe Wilson, who sat next to Vaughan on the flight to Multan, said the captain's knee was heavily strapped and he was given a seat at the front of the plane so he could have more leg room.
England medical staff are working on Vaughan and there is hope that although he will probably miss the first Test, he could be back for the second match in Faisalabad on 20 November.
Wilson said: "England are giving Vaughan a little bit longer before deciding whether he is out of the first Test or even the whole tour."
Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq said if Vaughan was absent it would benefit the hosts.
He said: "There is no doubt that when your opposing captain is out you get the advantage and we would benefit from Vaughan's absence."
Marcus Trescothick would take over in Vaughan's absence as skipper in Multan, with the out-of-form Ian Bell taking over at number three in the batting order.
A long-term injury would necessitate flying out extra cover.
But Owais Shah and Robert Key, who have been mentioned as potential batting replacements, have been ruled out.
"Key has had a shoulder operation and Shah has a knee injury which didn't look too serious at first but a closer look has shown it is far more serious," said coach Duncan Fletcher.
 |  The medical staff are rightly being careful not to give a prediction |
That leaves the uncapped Irish-born Ed Joyce as a possible call-up or England could turn to the experienced Mark Butcher.
Butcher, currently on holiday in Cuba, has not played for England for almost a year after having surgery on a wrist injury.
England's chief medical officer Dr Peter Gregory has already said Vaughan's tour could be over if he needs more surgery on his knee.
"If there is a tear it would be pretty bad for him. Usually with tears you would need an operation," said Gregory.
"We have asked for the scan report done last year and will compare both the scans."
Fletcher added: "We have sent his reports by e-mail to medical experts in England. The medical staff are rightly being careful not to give a prediction."
MMIX
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