Flintoff aims to play for England again before the end of summer

A club spokesman told BBC Sport the England all-rounder could now play in a one-day game against Sri Lanka A at Liverpool CC on Sunday.

And if he comes through that, he could also be available for next week's Championship match against Sussex.

Flintoff has not played since May after a third ankle operation.

And he will be restricted to playing as a batsman until Lancashire are satisfied his ankle can stand up to the stresses of bowling fast again.

The 29-year-old is eager to get back into action with a view to an England recall for at least part of the one-day series against India, which starts on 21 August.

Chairman of selectors David Graveney told Radio Five Live: "Andrew's rehab is on course.

"The plan was for him to be fit for the one-day series and I haven't seen or heard anything to the contrary."

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Flintoff suffered discomfort in his ankle during a Championship game against Hampshire in early May.

And although he subsequently played as a specialist batsman in a Twenty20 Cup match against Yorkshire, it was decided an operation was the best option.

The problem was diagnosed as "tissue contributing to anterior impingement" and completely different to the bone spur which put him out of action last year.