Championship leaders Yorkshire look almost certain to be without inspirational captain and joint leading wicket-taker, Darren Gough, for their crucial battle with title-holders, Sussex, which starts at Hove tomorrow.

Yorkshire were last night still waiting to hear the result of a second scan which Gough underwent yesterday to determine whether he has suffered a stress fracture of his left shin.

That would put him out for the remainder of the season but even there is no stress fracture he may be rested - a longer recovery would likely ensure he plays the final match against Hampshire at Headingley Carnegie.

Yorkshire are eager for Gough to play at Hove if possible, however, and director of cricket, Martyn Moxon, said the fast bowler had been included in a squad of 14 for the trip and a final decision would be made when all the facts were available for consideration.

With just two matches to play, the loss of Gough for either game will be a big blow. Yorkshire currently hold an 11½ point lead over second placed Durham but have played a game more.

Sussex are just two-and-a-half points behind Durham and also have three fixtures to fulfil and they are formidable opponents with world class spinners, Mushtaq Ahmed and Saqlain Mushtaq, in their ranks.

It is because Yorkshire want to give their own leg spin star, Adil Rashid, as much support as possible at Hove that they have signed 28-year-old Pakistan A leg-spinner, Imran Tahir, particularly for this match.

After a few complications with his work permit, Tahir's registration has been completed and Moxon said he would definitely be in tomorrow's line-up.

Also in the squad is left-arm spinner, David Wainwright, and Moxon would not rule out the possibility that Yorkshire could go into the game with three specialist slow bowlers.

Yorkshire (v Sussex) from: Vaughan, Gale, McGrath, Inzamam-ul-Hak, Rudolph, Brophy, Adil Rashid, Bresnan, Gough, Ajmal Shahzad, Hoggard, Imran Tahir, Wainwright, Pyrah.