England pacer James Anderson is hopeful of regaining his fitness from the groin injury in “a couple of weeks” time.

However, the veteran campaigner will not aim for a comeback for the solitary Test against Ireland as he wants to be fully fit in time for the Ashes.

Anderson sustained a groin injury while playing for Lancashire last week. He has been named in the 15-member squad for the one-off Test against Ireland, starting June 1 at Lord’s. On the other hand, the Ashes 2023 is due to get underway from June 16 at Edgbaston.

“It’s obviously not great getting injured but it’s probably the best outcome for what it is because it’s a low-grade thing. I think in a couple of weeks I’ll be back to full fitness,” Anderson told BBC’s Tailenders podcast.

“It’s frustrating because you always want to feel good and get enough bowling in before a series and you want to be fresh. So it’s now about trying to plan the best route through this summer.

“I felt like I needed to play this game so it’s not ideal, but I’m not stressed about it,” he added.

The 40-year-old said he is trying to avoid a similar situation from 2019 when he picked up a calf injury on Day 1 of the first Test against Australia.

The injury ruled him out of the rest of the series as Australia retained the Ashes on account of 2-2 draw.

“I’m just taking it day by day and seeing how it goes because obviously I don’t want to risk anything by making it worse,” Anderson added.

“I’m more confident I can get this one right (compared to 2019) and give the Ashes a right good crack.”

James Anderson has represented England in 179 Tests, claiming 685 wickets at an average of 25.99 with 32 five-wicket hauls.