Melbourne, July 23 - All-rounder Andrew Flintoff feels Kevin Pietersen's absence from the rest of the Ashes will be a major concern for England.

Flintoff, who is struggling with injury problems of his own, conceded Pietersen's injury might give the Australians a major lift.

'If (Australia captain) Ricky Ponting was injured you are quite happy not bowling at him - and I think Australia will be thinking the same about Kevin,' Flintoff was quoted as saying in Herald Sun.

'It means a lot playing in the Ashes and I fully expect he'll be coming along to watch a few of the games once he's back on his feet.'

Flintoff added: 'He's a massive influence on our team so it's going to make it tougher for us - but he's been in pain. He will be greatly missed and we wish him well - he'll be gutted.'

'He's performed well in the past and we expected him to in the next three matches but he'll come back, he's young and I'm sure he's got a few more Ashes series in him yet.'

Warwickshire batsman Ian Bell is widely expected to replace Pietersen, although Owais Shah could also earn a call-up.