Steven Mullaney has spoken with Alex Hales ahead of possible Nottinghamshire return

Nottinghamshire captain Steven Mullaney has spoken with Alex Hales but says he is unsure of the player's upcoming availability.

Hales is serving 21-day ban for an off-field incident, but it is understood that suspension expires after today's Royal London One Day Cup game at Worcestershire.

The 30-year-old could then play against Durham at Grantham on Friday, although it is unclear if he will be selected with the club poised to make a statement in the next 24 hours.

When asked what Hales' availability is, Mullaney told Sky Sports: "I'm not too sure to be honest. I got told as captain he was unavailable for selection so we've gone with what we've got.

What Nottinghamshire and England should do with troubled Alex Hales 

"We've got a really important game today to concentrate on and the club will make a statement in due course.

"I've spoken to him privately, but we have big games today, Friday and Monday. My job is to prepare myself and 10 other players for those games and to put a performance in.

"He's a world class player. When the club makes the statement we've got a few decisions to make. We'll take that as and when it comes."

Hales was this week dropped from England's preliminary World Cup squad with his management company saying they felt he was treated unfairly.

Notts have refused to make any public statements on Hales' availability since saying he was taking a break from cricket for personal reasons shortly before the first One Day Cup game.