Young Pakistan opener Saim Ayub finished his ankle injury assessment with orthopedic surgeons in London on Saturday (January 11).

However, it will take a week to figure out whether the southpaw can feature in the ICC Champions Trophy next month, news agency PTI reported.

The 22-year-old was examined by two noted orthopedic surgeons in London, Dr David Redfern and Dr Lucky Jeyaseelan.

According to a source close to the developments, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is keen on having Saim fit in time for the game against India on February 23 in Dubai.

"Even if the doctors say he will not have recovered from his injury in time for Pakistan's opening CT game against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi but he could be fit for the India game, the selectors and PCB are willing to take the risk," the source said, as quoted by PTI.

The source added that Saim Ayub was initially advised a six-week rest for his ankle injury. The left-hander was sent to London for expert consultations since the PCB is eager to see him fit for the marquee event, particularly the India match.

The PCB will get final reports and advice from the specialists by next week on Saim’s recovery process and time but after the initial inspection, they have ruled out any invasive or non-invasive surgery to correct his ankle.

“Their findings are that Saim can recover from his injury through physiotherapy, medication and rest but how long a rehab period they suggest will be known next week,” he said.

For now, the PCB will include Saim Ayub in the preliminary squad for the Champions Trophy as the selectors have until February 12 to tweak it and finalize their 15-member squad.

Saim, meanwhile, will remain in London until next week to determine if he can rehab in Lahore at the PCB’s high performance centre or can get better care in London.

(With PTI Inputs)