As the Mets, suddenly contenders for an NL wild card, prepare to play host to the Nationals this weekend in a key test, they won’t have to face Washington’s best pitcher, Max Scherzer.

There was hope that the three-time Cy Young winner, who spent most of last month on the injured list with a back strain, returned for one start July 25 and went back on the IL, would be able to face the Mets this weekend.

Now, Scherzer’s return date is uncertain, and the Nationals have said they won’t bring him back until he’s 100%.

“We don’t want this to be an ongoing issue for him,” manager Dave Martinez said Wednesday.

The Nationals, who hold the first wild-card spot, shifted their rotation to ensure their top guys are lined up to pitch against the Mets.

Stephen Strasburg will open up Friday, facing Marcus Stroman, who will make his first Mets start at Citi Field. Patrick Corbin will take on Noah Syndergaard on Saturday and Anibal Sanchez will move up a day to pitch against Jacob deGrom on Sunday.