LANCASHIRE's Championship problems piled up today with fresh injury worries over Wasim Akram and Mike Watkinson.

Wasim (right) is almost certain to miss the Old Trafford clash with Northants starting tomorrow after his shoulder problem flared up against Notts on Saturday.

And Watkinson is also a doubt after suffering a fresh shoulder injury while bowling in the Sunday League victory.

Lancashire are already without Texaco Trophy trio Mike Atherton, John Crawley and Graham Lloyd which could leave their squad desperately stretched for a game they must win to climb off the bottom of the table.

They will also have to find a new captain if Wasim and Watkinson don't make it, with wicket keeper Warren Hegg the most likely candidate.

Wasim's injury is causing the most concern. He arrived at Old Trafford earlier than expected because it forced him to pull out of Pakistan's tour of Sri Lanka and was soon in action during the Benson and Hedges Cup campaign.

But he complained of stiffness after his debut against Warwickshire and has been in visible discomfort in every match before he was forced out of the attack midway through the Notts game.

He was due for a scan late today with Lancashire still hoping it would reveal no serious damage, just wear and tear which will be eased by a short break.

Watkinson is having his worst-ever start to a season with injuries. He missed the whole of Lancashire's B&H qualifying campaign after straining a tricep bowling in the Championship opener against Durham, then felt another twinge during an impressive spell on Sunday against Notts.

Lancashire will definitely turn to young guns Nathan Wood and Paddy McKeown in addition to the reliable Steve Titchard to replace their international stars. Left arm spinner Gary Keedy is also set to make his first appearance of the season while Gary Yates stands by for Watkinson.

Lancs (from): Gallian, Wood, Titchard, McKeown, Fairbrother, Austin, Hegg, Chapple, Martin, Keedy, Watkinson, Yates. ANDY WILSON reports

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