England all rounder Andrew Flintoff is expected to recover from a side injury in time for the fourth Test against South Africa following a scan.

"There was a minor tear under the 12th rib," England media manager David Clarke told reporters.

"He is expected to respond to localised treatment and is expected to be fit to bowl in the fourth Test next week."

All rounder Flintoff left the field while bowling on Wednesday but was able to bat.

England, 1-0 up in the series, were facing a crushing defeat in the third Test on Thursday.

Earlier England physiotherapist Kirk Russell told Sky Sports television that injured batsman Mark Butcher had not yet recovered.

He said Butcher's injured wrist, which kept him out of the third Test, had been immobilised to try and help him recover. "His wrist is a bit of a concern," he said.

The fourth match of the five-Test series in Johannesburg is due to start on January 13.