James Anderson is in doubt for Lancashire's County Championship return after suffering a blow to his knee while bowling last weekend.

Anderson was due to feature in Lancashire's Division Two home fixture against Northamptonshire, starting on Tuesday. However, the club said he was no certainty to play after being struck on the inside of his knee while bowling to Hampshire's James Fuller, who hit the ball sharply back during the closing stages of Sunday's Royal London Cup semi-final, won by Hampshire.

Anderson collapsed on the ground immediately after being hit and took some time to get up. When he did, he was unable to complete his spell.

Lancashire coach Glen Chapple said after the match: "He was nearly able to bowl but it is a bad spot and as soon as there's any swelling in there it can restrict your movement and limit your strength. I would imagine it would be very painful for a couple of days. I think a lot of us have had a similar blow in a similar area and it's just at the edge of the joint."

Lancashire expect to be without Alex Davies, who is nearing a return after breaking his thumb during their seven-wicket win over Middlesex in last month's season opener.

Opening batsman Joe Burns is set to make his debut, becoming the third Australian to represent Lancashire this season after Glenn Maxwell - who recently left to prepare for the World Cup - and Jake Lehmann, whose half-century offered some resistance to an excellent performance by Hampshire's bowlers in the one-day match.

Northamptonshire expect to have two month-long loan signings available to them. Jamie Overton has joined from Somerset as he seeks to build his match fitness after a back injury, while the 23-year-old left-arm pace bowler Luke Wood has joined from Nottinghamshire. It is Wood's second loan spell with Northants this season after he played in their first match, against Middlesex, which ended in a draw.