GRAHAM Napier’s season may not be over, despite the Essex all-rounder tearing right ankle ligaments in Saturday’s NatWest Pro40 Division Two title-decider at Kent.

The 28-year-old was hurt while fielding in the match which saw the Eagles clinch the trophy with a four-wicket win at Canterbury.

But, despite being stretchered from the outfield, Essex physiotherapist Peter Gettings said Napier could be fit for next week’s season-ending LV County Championship Division Two trip to Gloucestershire.

“An MRI scan has shown a small tear in one of his right ankle ligaments and a sprain on one of his other right ankle ligaments,” said Gettings.

“There is no bony damage.

“Graham will now undergo a period of physiotherapy and has not been ruled out of next week's Championship game at Bristol at this stage.”

Essex are also hoping to tie-up a deal for Kent veteran Matthew Walker within the next few days.

The 34-year-old has been released after spending 16 years with Kent.

The batsman has scored 9,768 runs for Kent but has struggled for first-team appearances this season.

Walker’s unbeaten 275 in 1996 is still the highest score registered by a Kent batsman at thee Canterbury’s St Lawrence Ground.