After recovering from his plaguing hamstring and calf injuries, Australian all-rounder Shane Watson could yet make a long-awaited return to international cricket in the ODI tri-Series against India and Sri Lanka.

Watson missed the entire Test series against India through injury, but will be playing club cricket for Sutherland in Sydney this weekend in the hope of regaining his spot in the national side.

Australia coach Mickey Arthur said it has been a long road to recovery for the all-rounder and he hoped Watson can regain form sooner rather than later.

"It's been frustrating for us and frustrating for Shane, it really has," insisted Arthur.

"I speak to Shane weekly and keep track of where he is and I guess it would be true to say we thought we'd see Shane back a lot earlier.

"We haven't, but it's good because he's built his body up to where it needs to be and hopefully we can get sustainable performances out of Shane once he gets back in.

"Hopefully it goes well for him this weekend, then we can reassess where he is and hopefully get him back for the one-day competition.

"I don't think we can put a time frame on that. We've got to be happy and he's got to be happy. He's got to be happy his body can sustain batting and bowling."

Despite Watson's absence, Australia still managed to whitewash India four-nil in the Test series and, with Ed Cowan and David Warner building a solid foundation at the top of the order, the 30-year-old could struggle to regain the opener's berth in the Test side. Arthur, however, said that is a subject the selectors will have to discuss in due course.

"I'm not sure really (when he will return)," he added. "As long as we are all happy and he fits the bill, then I'm sure we'll consider bringing him back in.

"There's no doubt he is still a key player. But people who have been given opportunities through this summer have all stepped up.

"So again the competition for places around our side and the options we have available are starting to get better and better every day. He can bat anywhere. I think ultimately he'll bat down the order and bowl at some stage.

"We need to have that discussion. We've broached it once or twice before but nothing definite. And I guess it's where best he fits for us and where best it fits for him."