LUKE WELLS faces a race against time to be fit for Sussex’s opening game of the season.

Wells has suffered a setback in his recovery from knee surgery and coach Mark Davis says he is a doubt for the first County Championship game against Kent at Hove on April 14.

The left-handed batsman scored four Championship centuries last summer and was Sussex’s third highest run-scorer behind Chris Nash and Ed Joyce. The 26-year-old from Eastbourne was due to play grade cricket in Australia over the winter but had to scrap those plans to go under the knife.

Wells, pictured, will sit out tomorrow’s pre-season friendly against Surrey at Hove and is unlikely to be considered for further warm-up games against Somerset and Hampshire ahead of the first class clash with Cardiff MCCU on April 7.

Davis said: “Luke had a piece of bone floating in his left knee which was causing him some aggravation. It was quite a straightforward operation to take it out but unfortunately he has had a slight complication.

“The knee swelled up which has set him back a little bit. He is making good strides in his rehabilitation but we want to make sure he is completely ready before he steps things up and returns to full training.

“Tomorrow’s game has come a bit too early for him. We don’t know when he’ll be available as everybody recovers at different rates. There still a way to go until the first game (against Kent) but it is possibile he won’t be fit for the start of the season.”

Tomorrow’s game starts at 11.45am and entry is free. Play begins at 11am on Friday and Saturday.