SOMERSET are looking to recruit an additional top order batsman following Craig Kieswetter’s injury setback.

Kieswetter has withdrawn from the Big Bash T20 competition in Australia as well as the 30 strong England squad for the ICC World Cup, after expressing concerns about his vision.

And there are a severe doubts as to whether he will play any cricket next summer.

The 27-year-old was struck in the face by a bouncer during the championship match at North-ampton in July.

He suffered a broken nose and damage to his eye socket and right cheekbone which required surgery.

Kieswetter returned to play in the final two Championship matches of the 2014 campaign, hitting 69 against Middlesex on his first game back.

And for the last month has been playing for the Warriors in the Ram Slam T20 Challenge in South Africa where he scored 199 runs in his ten innings at an average of 22.11, which included two half centuries and a best of 82 not out.

However on his own admission he has struggled to regain perfect vision which has affected his performances with the Warriors.

Last week Kieswetter announced that he is to take time out of the game to allow him to undergo further specialist rehabilitation.

And while the long-term prognosis is unknown at this stage, he is unlikely to be fit for the 2015 season.

Kieswetter’s expected absence from the team along with the departure of Nick Compton, who has since re-joined Middlesex, means that the Cidermen have lost two batsmen.

And if you add in overseas player Alviro Petersen the total comes to three.

It seems likely that the ‘keeping duties will be taken over by Alex Barrow.

Director of Cricket Matt Maynard said: “This is a great opportunity for Alex who stepped in really well last season, but we have also got James Regan who will be pushing for a place, so there is healthy competition.

“However we are looking to strengthen our top order batting to make a challenge for the championship because in effect we have lost three batsmen from the top six if you include Alviro Petersen.

“Our middle order is quite well covered with the likes of James Hildreth, Pete Trego, Jim Allenby and Craig Overton.”