Fast bowler Chris Tremlett is hoping to be back in action by the end of April after being ruled out of England's tour of the United Arab Emirates.

Tremlett suffered a back problem after the first Test against Pakistan and was forced to fly home to see a specialist, who revealed that the 30-year-old will be sidelined from country's tour of Sri Lanka next month.

"After seeing a specialist, scans reveal a bulging disc and may require a little clean-up. Hopefully back playing mid to end of April," said Tremlett.

England's medical team have suggested the injury could be chronic, but they hope surgery will prove a long-term solution for the right-armer.

The tourists have avoided calling up a replacement for Tremlett despite already being without the services of Tim Bresnan, who is currently nursing an elbow injury.

Spinner Monty Panesar has since entered the XI.