By Jonathan Overend BBC Sport tennis commentator

Lee missed the first half of this season following knee surgery

Former British number three Martin Lee has been hit by another injury setback having recovered from the knee surgery which disrupted his 2003 season.

The 25-year-old was forced to fly home early from the La Manga training base in Spain with a groin strain.

"The knee is now fine but, while protecting it, you put stresses on different parts of the body," said LTA performance director David Felgate.

"He's worked hard out here but movement on the court was affecting it.

"It's best he goes home, gets it checked out and hopefully it won't be too serious."

Lee missed the first half of the season after undergoing knee surgery and he failed to find his form on his return to action, winning only three matches at Challenger level.

The Berkshire-based left hander, who reached the top 100 in 2001, plans to start 2004 in Doha before trying to qualify for the Australian Open in Melbourne.