Disgraced former Australia captain could miss this May’s World Cup in England.
Smith is expected to return from his ICC ban next month for his part in the sandpaper ball-tampering scandal at the Newlands Test against South Africa last year.
But following elbow injury, the Aussies are less confident that he will be back to help them defend the title.
Reports Down Under says that Smith will now only be readied for the Ashes tour to England after the World Cup.
Meanwhile, his partner-in-crime David Warner should be back to open the batting at the 50-over tournament.
The wicket-keeper batsman is also recovering from surgery and looks set to be ready in time to be a part of the ODI squad for the UAE tour against Pakistan, with at least two of the five scheduled matches due to be played after the March 29 conclusion of the duo’s bans.