Josh Hazlewood's hopes of featuring in the ongoing Ashes have hit another setback, with the Australia fast bowler experiencing fresh Achilles soreness during the early stages of his comeback from a hamstring injury.

Hazlewood had been scheduled to join the Test squad in Brisbane to continue his rehabilitation, but those plans have now been put on hold. The pacer had resumed light bowling off a shortened run-up in Sydney last week after being ruled out of the series opener due to the hamstring issue he sustained against Victoria last month.

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"Josh Hazlewood reported Achilles soreness this week during his rehabilitation from a recent hamstring injury," Cricket Australia said in a statement. "It is a low-grade issue, and he is expected to recommence running and bowling next week."

While Hazlewood was never in contention for the Adelaide Test, the latest setback casts doubt on his availability for the Melbourne or Sydney fixtures as well. It continues a frustrating pattern for the 32-year-old, who has endured repeated injury flare-ups following major setbacks, particularly recurring calf and Achilles problems.

In the 2022-23 season, Hazlewood picked up a side strain in the first home Test and missed three matches before returning, only to develop Achilles soreness that ruled him out of the India tour and the World Test Championship final later that year.

More trouble followed last summer when he sustained another side strain in the opening Test against India, missed the second Test, and then -- after an accelerated return for the Brisbane match -- suffered a calf strain that sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

He also missed the Sri Lanka tour and the Champions Trophy before finally making his comeback midway through the IPL.