Mark Wood, Steve Finn out of England's South Africa squad - Sky sources

Mark Wood and Steve Finn will be missing when England's Test squad for South Africa is named on Thursday, Sky sources say.

Finn has failed to recover from the foot injury that forced him out of the recent Pakistan series on the eve of the first Test, while Wood's ongoing ankle problems have ruled him out.

The Durham pace bowler did play in two of three Tests against Pakistan but missed out in Sharjah as the 'hosts' won to claim the series 2-0, and it is understood he will not be in the touring party named at 10am.

Finn suggested on Wednesday he could join up later this winter, tweeting: "Reports of my South Africa tour being written off completely. Not the case, I am hoping to be available sooner rather than later."

But the initial loss of two front-line fast bowlers opens up room in the squad, although all-rounder Ben Stokes is expected to be fit despite a shoulder injury suffered in the UAE.

Liam Plunkett was unused on the UAE tour, Chris Jordan was called up as Finn's replacement, and left-armer Mark Footitt is due to join the England Performance Programme this winter.

Successive four-wicket hauls in the ongoing ODI series against Pakistan have pushed Chris Woakes' claims, meanwhile, and the Warwickshire all-rounder told Sky Sports News HQ: "I suppose whenever there is a squad announcement coming up it's always good to be on decent form and taking wickets.

"It's obviously a one-day tour which is a bit different to playing Test cricket, but whenever you put on an England shirt you try to perform and over the last couple of games I've obviously been able to that. It can only help my cause."

Elsewhere in the squad Alex Hales is likely to get the chance to open having been overlooked for Moeen Ali in all three Tests against Pakistan, while No 3 Ian Bell is expected to retain his spot despite passing 50 just once in those games.

Samit Patel is the obvious choice to drop out ahead of Moeen and Adil Rashid if, as expected, England include just two spin options, although coach Trevor Bayliss was critical of all three after the Pakistan series.

Moeen failed as Alastair Cook's opening partner in the UAE but offers balance back down at No 8, and there are few stand-out options as an alternative to Rashid, particularly as Zafar Ansari - included in the initial UAE touring squad - is still struggling with injury.

Jos Buttler showed glimpses of a return to form with an unbeaten 49 in the most recent ODI, and he is again likely to compete with Jonny Bairstow for the wicket-keeper's role in South Africa.

Follow the squad announcement on Sky Sports' services from 10am on Thursday.