England fast bowler Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the upcoming Indian Premier League due to a stress fracture in his right elbow.

The 24-year-old has been struggling with the problem and missed the final three Tests of the recent series win in South Africa.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed that Archer, who plays for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, will also miss England’s Test tour of Sri Lanka. He is expected to be out of action for three months.

“Archer underwent further scans on his injured right elbow yesterday (Wednesday) in the UK which confirmed a low grade stress fracture,” said the ECB in a statement. “As a result of the injury, he has been ruled out of England’s Test tour of Sri Lanka and the Indian Premier League 2020 season.

“He will now commence an injury rehabilitation programme with the ECB medical team with a view to be ready for the international summer campaign starting in June against the West Indies in a three-match Test series.”

Archer took to Twitter on Thursday: “Be back soon.”

Archer experienced discomfort in his right elbow during the series in South Africa in December where he could only play the Boxing Day Test.

The Barbados-born pacer has represented England in seven Tests and 14 ODIs, taking 30 and 23 wickets respectively. He has also played a T20 International.

Archer was England’s leading wicket-taker in their triumphant World Cup campaign and then took 22 scalps at an average of 20.27 in the Ashes. His absence is a big blow to the Royals ahead of the IPL beginning next month.

Archer was bought by the Royals in the 2018 auction for Rs 7.6 crore. In 21 IPL games, he has picked up 26 wickets at an average of 23.69. In his maiden IPL season in 2018, he took 15 wickets in 10 games before taking 11 in as many games the following season.