MICHAEL KLINGER is heading back to Australia two matches early as Gloucestershire's season threatens to peter out.

Klinger, the county's most influential player, has been troubled with a shoulder injury and is returning home prematurely to undergo some rehab so he is fit for the new domestic season with Perth which starts in October.

Gloucestershire were unable to defend their Royal London One-Day 50-over title this season and were denied a place on T20 finals day when losing recently to Durham.

Meanwhile, three straight defeats in the second division of the country championship – the last two by an innings, including this week's drubbing by Kent – have killed off any chance of the side earning promotion to the top tier.

Head coach Richard Dawson said: "Michael Klinger is going home on Sunday a bit earlier than expected because of a niggle in a shoulder, but that will provide an opportunity for someone and it's important we don't let our season peter out."

Thirty six-year-old Klinger extended his contract with Gloucestershire until the end of 2019 although he is talking of playing just two more seasons before retirement.

This season has been another good one for the county's top batsman and limited overs captain.

He has played six matches (12 innings) in the Specsavers County Championship for an average of 73.62 and a top score of 140.

In the Royal London One-Day Cup his top score has been 166 and his average 56.17.

Meanwhile in the NatWest T20 Blast this season he has averaged 49.82 with a top score of 101.

Despite the innings defeat to Sussex recently, Klinger hit 129 not out in the first innings but he will play little red ball cricket on his return.

"I'm going back two matches earlier than scheduled which than gives me four weeks to get some rehab ahead of our new season in Perth which starts in October," said Klinger.

"I'll play mostly one day and T20s next year and then probably T20 the year after, but I will help out in red ball cricket when I can.

"I've probably got two more seasons before I have to find a real job and my third child is due in mid October."

Gloucestershire’s next first team fixture is a Championship game against Derbyshire at Derby which starts on Wednesday, August 31.