Amid a year of tumult, Steve Smith's immediate playing future and hope of returning in time for the World Cup is now in doubt because of a sore elbow which has forced him home from the Bangladesh Premier League.

The former Australian captain has been playing with the Comilla Victorians in the BPL but will miss at least their next two matches after a previous elbow problem flared.

His manager Warren Craig could not be contacted while NSW and Cricket Australia officials were in the dark amid fears he could face several months on the sidelines with an injury which threatens to derail Australia's bid for a quick fix when he and David Warner return from suspension.

CA said on Friday night Smith was due to land in Sydney overnight.

"He'll then be assessed and decisions will be made following that," a CA spokesman said, adding it was too early to suggest Smith would require surgery.