Andrew Flintoff's absence from the second Test will give England coach Duncan Fletcher a major headache, but his opposite number claims the allrounder's injury could also put a major spanner in his pre-match plans.

Pakistan coach Bob Wool-mer was in buoyant mood after watching his side maul Northamptonshire in their latest tour match with Lord's failures Salman Butt (84) and Imran Farhat (64) instrumental at the top of the order.

The pair put on 118 for the first wicket as the chased 160 to win. Butt was out with the score on 157 and Younis Khan was on hand to see the tourists home.

And after learning the news that Flintoff, 28, would miss the rest of the Test series against Pakistan due to an ankle injury, Woolmer argued that the Lancashire man's absence could have a detrimental effect on his squad.

"I really feel for Freddie and it is such a shame as he was looking good for the second Test," said Woolmer.

"The most important thing is that he gets whatever is wrong with him sorted quickly before it becomes a major problem.

"Otherwise it will be difficult for him to know where he stands after the injury has healed. Our players were looking forward to facing him and a full-strength England team because they love a challenge.

"It would have given our team a psychological boost to play against a player of his quality and it is not a positive for us that he is missing.

"In fact it has the opposite effect, as mentally players may relax as they know a key England player is absent and I will have to address that.

"But with or without Flintoff I believe we can win.

"Nerves played a major part in the first Test and we still managed a draw - but they have gone now and we are in good shape."

While England's injury list continues to grow, Pakistan welcomed vice-captain Younis Khan back into the fold - following a knee injury - and the 28-year-old did not disappoint, helping himself to a first-innings half-century at Wantage Road.

Khan has been a key member of Woolmer's side over the past 18 months, averaging 77 in a hot streak that has brought him five centuries in 11 tests.

And the Pakistan coach confirmed Khan would line up to take on England's under-strength bowling attack when the two sides lock horns at Old Trafford on Thursday.

"I am really pleased to see Younis back especially as he got a 50," he added. "That was a major plus point from the Northants game.

"I am not planning wholesale changes for the Test in Manchester but Younis will play - he is a quality player with lots of experience."

There was some good news for Andrew Strauss and co though.

Woolmer revealed Pakistan's No 1 strike bowler Shoaib Akhtar was unlikely to return before the final Test.

"He will not play any matches until the medical staff feel he is ready, which they believe will be the West Indies A game ahead of the fourth Test," said Woolmer.