Australia's Simon Katich and Doug Bollinger are facing a truncated Ashes build-up as they race to recover from thumb and stomach problems, officials said Wednesday, adding to the team's injury woes.

Opening batsman Katich will not return to action until November 10 or 17 after damaging thumb ligaments, while fast bowler Bollinger will have just one match to test his recovery from a stomach strain, the team's physio said.