Mathews unlikely to face South Africa

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews is set to miss his team's Champions Trophy opener against South Africa due to a calf injury.

Mathews, who has also battled hamstring injuries this year, is "likely" to miss Saturday's clash at The Oval, the team said on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old's absence for the Group B encounter would be a blow, with Mathews having looked in fine form by making 95 against Australia in a warm-up game.

He is also a handy option with the ball, having taken 111 wickets in 180 one-day internationals.

BREAKING: @OfficialSLC skipper Angelo Mathews likely to miss the South Africa match due to calf injury. #SriLanka #LKA #CT17

— Sri Lanka Cricket (@OfficialSLC) May 31, 2017

Sri Lanka head into the Champions Trophy on the back of losses to Australia and New Zealand in warm-up matches.

They will face South Africa, India and Pakistan in the tournament proper.