WEST INDIES fast bowler Jermaine Lawson is likely to miss the upcoming regional one-day tournament which starts on October 16.

Lawson, who was replaced by all-rounder Darren Sammy in West Indies' squad for the just concluded ICC Champions Trophy limited-overs cricket series in England, said he has been given six weeks to rest.

Although that period ends within two weeks," Lawson, said: "I wouldn't rule myself out of (the regional tournament) yet. I am just looking forward to getting over this injury and playing for Jamaica in the one-day tournament," he said.

INJURED

The 22-year-old suffered a stress fracture to the lower back in England. "I got injured in the third Test but really didn't know what was the problem until I arrived in Jamaica," Lawson said.

"I have a stress fracture (of the lower back). Dr. Akshai Mansingh (a member of the West Indies Board medical panel) said it should take six weeks to heal, after which I have to do a next scan to see how much it has improved," explained Lawson, who took eight wickets in two Tests on the England tour.

Lawson, who had to correct his bowling action during his one-year lay-off, said he was keen to return to the international arena.

"I was anxious to play. I hadn't played for a year. Sitting down and watching cricket all the time is very hard," he said.

Two other Jamaican fast bowlers, Jerome Taylor and Andrew Richardson, are also expected to miss the regional one-day tournament.