Perth Scorchers coach Justin Langer hopes star paceman Jason Behrendorff can overcome some recent back soreness to play in Saturday's BBL clash with the Brisbane Heat at the WACA Ground.
Behrendorff has only played eight competitive matches since being diagnosed with stress fractures in his back last January.
The 25-year-old has missed most of this summer after encountering more soreness in the area, and he was rested from Monday's four-wicket loss to the Adelaide Strikers after pulling up sore from training.
Behrendorff will be put through his paces again this week in the hope of getting him ready to face the Heat on Boxing Day.
"He got 3-20 off four overs in the second practice game at the WACA. I know he's really keen to play," Langer said.
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"But he was a little bit stiff in our last training session.
"Hopefully he'll get through training this week and be right for Boxing Day."
Behrendorff snared 15 wickets at an average of 16.73 to help guide the Scorchers to last season's BBL title.
The left-arm paceman again looms as a key weapon for the Scorchers, especially in the wake of Nathan Coulter-Nile's shoulder injury.
The Scorchers will also be without Test trio Shaun Marsh, Mitch Marsh, and Adam Voges for most of the BBL tournament.
Spinner Ashton Agar will come into the side after being named 12th man against the Strikers, while Marcus Harris and Ashton Turner are also expected to be handed recalls.
The Heat are also aiming to bounce back after copping a seven-wicket loss to the Melbourne Renegades in their season opener.
