Sri Lankan all-rounder Farveez Maharoof has been ruled out of the Asia Cup due to an abdominal strain.

He will be replaced by left-arm medium pacer Thilan Thushara in the squad.

This is not Maharoof's first stint with injury. He missed Sri Lanka's recent tour to the West Indies, due to a muscle strain.

An initial scan did not reveal the injury. However, a second scan showed that he had strained the muscles on the left side of his abdomen.

"Maharoof requires rest. He will be out of action for six weeks," said team physio Ranjith Nanayakkarawasam.

Maharoof has bagged 104 wickets in 79 matches at an impressive average of 24.

Thushara made his international debut in West Indies early this year. He played all the three Tests, taking eight wickets, and returned figures of 1 for 12 from 5.2 overs in the only ODI he played.