Sri Lankan danger-man Chaminda Vaas has been ruled out of his side's first Test against Pakistan due to a side injury.
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The fiery paceman is targeting a return in time for the second Test in Kandy, which commences on April 3.
Vass joins skipper Marvan Atapattu and Ruchira Perera on the injured list.
Despite Vaas' enthusiasm to return to the fold, the Sri Lankan team management has made it clear he will play until he has completely recovered from the side strain.
"We do not want to risk Chaminda (Vaas) unless he is 100 percent fit," Sri Lanka coach Tom Moody told Agence France-Presse.
Atapattu is suffering from a lower back injury, while left-arm fast bowler Perera is recovering from a hamstring pull.
Veteran batsman Sanath Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka's highest run scorer in Tests and one day internationals, looks set to make a return from a thigh injury and will open the innings with fellow left-hander Upul Tharanga.
Sri Lanka's main selection dilemma is whether to play a specialist batsman at number seven or an all rounder such as Farveez Maharoof who fulfilled that role successfully against Bangladesh in the recent series.
