Star all-rounder Shane Watson appears unlikely to return for next week's second Test against India, although he's yet to be ruled out.
Watson has been in camp with the Australian side during the first Test in Melbourne this week as he recovers from hamstring and calf injuries which also caused him to miss the two-Test series against New Zealand.
"Shane Watson has been released home this morning to continue his rehabilitation program," a Cricket Australia spokesman said on Thursday.
"Australia team physio Alex Kountouris will catch up with him in Sydney on January 1 to further assess his progress.
"The squad for the second Test match against India will be announced after this Test match finishes."
