Asif took 25 wickets in five county games for Leicestershire

"Unfortunately, he hasn't reacted properly to the injection he had," said Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer.

Fellow fast bowler Mohammad Sami and wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal have been passed fit after injury scares.

But Shoaib Malik (elbow) is a major doubt for the match, with the opening bowlers set to be Sami and Umar Gul, with Abdul Razzaq as third seamer.

Leg-spinner Danish Kaneria could be called upon to provide lengthy spells during the match.

Kaneria, 25, who bowled Pakistan to victory with 4-62 in the second innings of the first Test against England at Multan last winter, has never played a Test at Lord's and is relishing the prospect.

"Lord's has something special because cricket was born in England and this is a ground where people make their name," he told Bigstarcricket.com.

"I've dreamed about it for years and now it's about to happen, a Test match at Lord's and an opportunity to make my name at the historic ground."

One of the key battles will be between Kevin Pietersen and the Pakistan attack.

Pietersen hit a century in the second Test at Faisalabad and made consecutive centuries in the first two Tests of the home series against Sri Lanka.

"I noticed he played Muralitharan the best of the England batsmen by being aggressive and he will be a dangerous player," Kaneria said.

"I'm sure he will look to attack me so it will be a good contest."