Jason Roy has conceded England’s World Cup game against Australia may come too soon for his return from a hamstring injury.

England’s explosive opening batsman has already been ruled out of two matches after suffering the injury during his side’s victory over West Indies.

Roy was not required as his team-mates completed a routine run chase in that game, but Eoin Morgan knows the value of the Surrey man’s “intimidating” attacking style and has ruled out any quick decision to call for a replacement.

Tuesday’s Lord’s meeting with the Aussies remains the target for Roy, but ahead of the game against Afghanistan he acknowledged the timescale for his comeback is “a grey area”.

“Frustrated is an understatement, but it is what it is,” he said, speaking to Sky Sports ahead of play at Old Trafford. “I have got to look forward, be positive and make sure I am fully ready to go later in the tournament.

“I have had two days icing the injury and having pool sessions and it feels a lot better, so that’s a positive. It could have been way worse and I am still fighting.

“[The scan] says minimum 10 days and I am looking at the Australia game, but we have to assess it as we go along. I will have another scan on Monday to make sure everything I am doing this week has benefited me.”

Speaking on Monday, captain Morgan said, “I certainly believe Jason will play again in this tournament. I’ll be very conscious of not pushing it, but that will also be dependent on results, how we’re going in the tournament and what games we need to win to get into the semi-finals.”

James Vince replaced Roy at the top of the order against Afghanistan, making 26 before top-edging a pull shot.