Australian allrounder Shane Watson [ Images ] is unlikely to play the second Test against India [ Images ] next week as he returned home to continue rehab on his hamstring injury.

Watson, who missed the two-Test series against New Zealand [ Images ] early this month due to hamstring and calf injuries, has been in camp with the Australian side during the first Test in Melbourne [ Images ] this week.

"Shane Watson has been released home this morning to continue his rehabilitation program," a Cricket Australia [ Images ] spokesman was quoted as saying by Australian Associated Press.

"Australia team physio Alex Kountouris will catch up with him in Sydney [ Images ] 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," he added.

The second Test of the four-match series starts on January 3 at the SCG.