Captain Michael Clarke has emerged as a doubt for Australia's first game in the Tri-Series against Zimbabwe on Monday.

Clarke suffered a hamstring injury in training on Friday according to Cricket Australia and his condition will be monitored over the weekend.

Vice-captain George Bailey will lead Australia if Clarke misses the first match of the series, which also features South Africa.

Clarke is only just back after a five-month break from the game in the wake of their Test series win over South Africa.

"We will monitor his condition closely over the next 24 hours to see how he responds to further treatment before making a decision on his management," team physiotherapist David Beakley said.

Top order batsman Phillip Hughes, a late replacement in the Australia squad for injured all-rounder Shane Watson, could take Clarke's place in the side if he fails to pass a fitness test.